I have several recipes for corn chowders in my recipe box. Corn chowder is my favorite soup, I think, and this is my easiest recipe for it. If your basil is growing like weeds right now, you can use a big huge handful of it in this, and it will be so good.
Some chowders call for bacon, some caramelize the corn, some call for cream — those are all good, but this one is the quickest, and its simplicity is not necessarily a bad thing: The taste is fresh and sweet, not very complicated or very savory, and sometimes that's just what you want.
Easy Corn Chowder
2 T. butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced 1/3"
2 c. milk
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
2 c. corn kernels (fresh corn is wonderful here, but frozen [I like frozen white corn] works just fine, too)
Large handful of chopped fresh basil (if you don't have fresh basil, just skip this)Melt butter and saute onion over medium heat until golden, about 8 minutes. Add potatoes and saute for a couple of minutes. Add milk, salt, and pepper, and simmer — don't boil, or the milk will separate — for about 15 minutes, until potatoes are soft-ish. Add corn and basil, return to a simmer, and serve. Yummy golden dinner.
Looks yummy, easy & pretty too...I will have to try it, thanks.
Posted by: Toni | September 09, 2008 at 07:40 AM
thanks for the recipe. it looks simple and yummy!
Posted by: amy | September 09, 2008 at 08:08 AM
Looks and sounds wonderful!
Posted by: julie | September 09, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Looks delicious! I have basil on hand and some potatoes rolling around in my pantry. I think you've just picked out my dinner for tonight!
Posted by: Rachel | September 09, 2008 at 08:14 AM
I have 4 fresh corns waiting for me tonight. I am defnitely making your chowder for supper!
Thank you!
Posted by: Anya | September 09, 2008 at 08:18 AM
Yummy, sunshiny and warm! Perfect for this time of year when the skies are filled with big fluffy autumn clouds!
Posted by: Ginger&Pickle | September 09, 2008 at 08:20 AM
I can't wait to try this. It looks delish.
Posted by: Kim | September 09, 2008 at 08:34 AM
We don't do soup often, but I do love chowder. Thanks for the recipe!
Posted by: Linn | September 09, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Yum! I have all those ingredients on hand - I think we'll add it to our lunch menu this week - thanks!
Posted by: AmyDe | September 09, 2008 at 08:42 AM
I know what I'm having for dinner tonight!!
Posted by: Lisa Marie | September 09, 2008 at 08:59 AM
I am making this tonight. I can't say that I've ever had chowder like this. But it sounds fantastic and I have lots of basil to spare.
Thanks!
J.
Posted by: Jen | September 09, 2008 at 09:04 AM
Looks like you have inspired everyone to have corn chowder for din din tonight, including me. Thanks :)
Posted by: Elizabeth Mackey | September 09, 2008 at 09:31 AM
I'm on the same wavelength -- I just made some corn chowder last night!
Posted by: Julie | September 09, 2008 at 09:45 AM
that looks so yummy. can't wait to try this!
Posted by: amy*lou | September 09, 2008 at 09:52 AM
It is cool and rainy here in New Jersey. I had all the ingredients on hand so I made this chowder for my lunch. It was delicious.
Thanks for the recipe. I will definitely make it again.
Rosemary
Posted by: Content in a Cottage | September 09, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Sometimes the simplest is the best. Good corn is hard to beat.
Posted by: Kimberly Ann | September 09, 2008 at 10:24 AM
wow cravings are setting in- I bought bannanas today (I only like bananas in bread!) Hmmmm chowder...
P.S. I pre-ordered Stitched in Time today! Can't wait!
Posted by: Joanna | September 09, 2008 at 10:38 AM
yum, I know what I'm having for dinner, thanks!
Posted by: Trish | September 09, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Ooh, very similar to one I make far too often in the winter. I add a bit of curry powder with the onion and saute in olive oil. A bit more savory but oh my...with some fresh crusty bread there is nothing better.
Posted by: Chris Worthy | September 09, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Sounds perfect and I have all the ingredients at hand. Might be dinner tonight.
Posted by: Pam | September 09, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Thanks for the recipe! I've gotta try this one.
Posted by: Liane | September 09, 2008 at 12:43 PM
I am SO making this. Thanks for the (easy) recipe!
Posted by: Laura @ the shorehouse | September 09, 2008 at 01:09 PM
I love corn chowder too, but I've never used basil in it. I'm going to try that. Thanks.
Posted by: Susan Ramey Cleveland | September 09, 2008 at 02:01 PM
not to seem utterly dim but what do 't' and 'c's stand for in the measurements? I'm used to tsp and tblsp and oz or lb or g or kg but can't work out t and c. Maybe teaspoons and cups? I think I have a vintage American cup measure so hoping that will work! t.x
Posted by: kitschen pink | September 09, 2008 at 02:35 PM
I now know what I am having for dinner after a long day away from home. My brain is fried and I was thinking spaghetti, easy...but I've got lots of basil begging to be thrown into a lovely pot of corn chowder. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Beth P. | September 09, 2008 at 02:54 PM