This vegan corn chowder is incredibly creamy without any dairy, thanks to a base that is thickened with potatoes and finished with smooth cashew cream. The pan-seared corn kernels add a pop of sweetness to every bite.
1poundYukon Gold potatoes (medium)peeled and cut into 1⁄2-inch cubes
1/2Onion (medium)diced
1Celery stalkdiced
4cupVeggie broth
2cupWater
1/2cupCashew Creamsee below
1/2tspSweet smoked paprika powder
1/2TbspThyme (fresh, chopped)
1/2tspBlack pepperor more to taste
Saltto taste
Spring onion or chivesoptional for topping
Cashew Cream (makes 1+1/2 cup)
1cupCashew nuts
3/4cupWater
1/4tspHimalayan salt
1/2tspNutritional yeastoptional
Instructions
Making cashew cream
Soak cashews in boiling water for 5 minutes or boil them in water using stockpot on the stove-top for 5 minutes.
Put the cashews, salt, and nutritional yeast (if using) in a high-speed blender with water. Process until smooth and creamy, 45 to 60 seconds. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. It may thicken as times goes by.
Making corn chowder
Heat a large nonstick pot over medium heat; when it is warm, add the corn kernels and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring every 90 seconds. The corn will become translucent and parts of it will brown and stick to the bottom of the pot.
Deglaze the pot by pouring in 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of the broth. Use a spoon to remove any pieces of corn that have stuck to the bottom of the pan.
Add the onion, celery, paprika, thyme, and pepper, then sauté until the onion is translucent, 4 to 5 minutes.
Add the chopped gold potatoes to the pot with the remaining broth and 2 cups (480 ml) water. Raise the heat to high; when the mixture starts to simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 15 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Transfer 2 cups (480 ml) of the soup to a high-speed blender. Add the cashew cream to the blender and blend on high speed for 30 to 40 seconds, with the blender vent open.
Pour the smooth liquid back into the pot and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if necessary.
Transfer the soup to serving bowls and top with chives. Serve warm; leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Video
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id="trprfpH5" upload-date="2021-03-04T13:54:18.000Z" name="Vegan Corn Chowder" description="What is so special about this Vegan Corn Chowder recipe? Everything. It starts with pan-seared corn kernels and deglazed pan, which makes this soup actually oil-free. It is thickened with potatoes and turned creamy with a smooth cashew cream. What's not to like? " player-type="collapse" override-embed="true"]
Notes
Top tips to make a perfect soup
Chop vegetables evenly and small - The smaller you cut the veggies, the shorter will be the cooking time.
Vitamix vs Regular Blender - You can certainly use a hand blender (aka immersion blender), a food processor, or a regular blender. However, you cashew cream may not be as smooth as you would like. We recommend using a high powered blender like Vitamix*.