Comforting Corn Chowder

Comforting Corn Chowder

Serves 6

Plant Based / Dairy Free / Gluten Free

The season is slowly changing and Autumn is peeping around the corner, the temperature is cooling and the clouds begin to gather. We desire comfort food to warm our body and soothe our soul and this creamy corn chowder is just what we need. Packed with nutrients and deliciousness, it feels like a heavenly warm blanket.

Ingredients

For the chowder:

1tbsp organic ghee or butter (use vegan if required)

1 large white onion, peeled and chopped

2 shallots, peeled and chopped

1 celery stalk, peeled and chopped

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped

280g organic tinned corn, drained

240ml white wine

2tbsp yellow mustard

1tsp dried thyme

1tsp dried oregano

1tsp dried chives

1/2tsp grated nutmeg

1tsp salt

500ml boiling water

Juice of two lemons

- For the cream -

140g raw unsalted cashews, soaked and drained

100g organic creme fraiche (use vegan if required)

240ml organic milk of choice

1/2tsp salt

1tsp ground turmeric

1tsp lemon zest

A good handful of fresh basil

- To serve -

Two large stalks Cavolo Nero or kale, de-stemmed and finely chopped

A pinch of lemon zest

Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Fill and boil the kettle and soak the cashews in a small bowl for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, peel and chop all the vegetables and prepare the rest of the ingredients.

In a deep pan, add the ghee or butter and melt. Throw in the onion, the shallots, the celery, the carrots and the potatoes and sauté for 5-10 minutes over medium low heat. Pour in the wine and the mustard and allow most of the liquid to evaporate. Add the corn and all the spices and stir. Pour in 500ml hot water, bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes until the veggies are tender.

Meanwhile, prepare the cream. Place all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until very smooth.

Stir the lemon juice in the chowder, then add the cream and the cavolo nero. Mix everything well and check the seasoning. Ladle in bowls, sprinkle with extra lemon zest, salt and pepper and serve. Enjoy!

Notes

Whole corn in loaded with fibre and contains vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium and potassium. It’s high fibre content offers protection against numerous diseases and promotes gut health. It also contains other plant compounds and antioxidants which benefit our health and especially our eyes.

Always buy organic corn to avoid genetically modified crops.