Spicy Corn Chowder
spicy corn chowder
Introduction
There is no doubt that one of the most creative such dishes is the Spicy Corn Chowder – an African-spiced soup made with corn sweetened with such spices as cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and coriander. Whether it’s meat or vegetables that you seek to add some variety to your dinner table or everyday meals, then this chowder will etch a memory in your heart. In this blog post, I will share with you how Spicy Corn Chowder came to be, how it is best prepared, and its nutritional values, so sit back, grab your pot and let’s get cooking!
Historical Background
Corn chowder has been in many cultures and has early beginnings in the Native Americans food. That unique twist of Africa in this Spicy Corn Chowder also makes it all the more interesting in terms of the spices used such as cumin and coriander; such a flavorful representation of the African continent. African spices include the above which are well known to give the soups and stews a distinctive taste that is rather alluring.
Ingredients
- 3 cobs of corn, kernels removed 450g/1lb potatoes, finely diced 60ml/4 tbsp double (heavy) cream 60ml/4 tbsp chopped fresh parsley salt and ground black pepper
- 375g can creamed corn
- 2 tomatoes, skinned
- 1 onion, roughly chopped
- 2 red (bell) peppers, halved and seeded
- 15ml/1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- 3 red chillies, seeded and sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 5ml/1 tsp ground cumin
- 5ml/1 tsp ground coriander
- 600ml/2¹½ cups milk
- 350ml/1¹½ cups chicken stock
Procedure
1 Chop the tomatoes and onion into tiny pieces and blend until you get a paste-like consistency. Mix the creamed corn and process again and then keep it aside. Separate the ribs into serving size pieces and arrange on the broiler pan. Heat the grill (broiler) to high.
2 Place the peppers, skin sides up, on a grill rack, or char them directly on the burner, then lightly oil them. Broil (grill) for about eight to ten minutes until the skins become black and bubbly. Pour into a bowl and over with saran wrap, then let it cool. Chop the peppers and remove the seeds and the stem and then cut them into suitable dices.
3 Warm the oil and pour it on a large pan and turn on the heat, putting the chillies and garlic in there. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent, stirring occasionally.
4 Stir in the ground cumin and the coriander and let the mixture cook for another one minute. Add the corn purée into it and bring it up to a boil then let it simmer for about 8 minutes as you occasionally stir it.
5 Add in milk and stock and stir in corn kernels, potatoes, red pepper and season according to your taste. It takes 15-20 minutes, until the corn and potatoes are cooked.
6 Empty into deep plates and pour the cream over it garnish with the chopped parsley then serve immediately.
Cooking Tips
Creating the perfect Spicy Corn Chowder requires a few key techniques:Creating the perfect Spicy Corn Chowder requires a few key techniques:
1. Roasting the Red Peppers: By charring the skin of the peppers while grilling, peeling becomes easier besides getting a smoky taste to the chowder since the peppers are sweet to begin with.
2. Puréeing the Tomatoes and Onions: Mixing these ingredients come up with a smooth combination of ingredients with regard to the preparation of the chowder which should be thick and creamy.
3. Balancing the Heat: There are a couple of points worth noticing for those, who do not like the dishes with hot spices: the main spicy ingredient here is red chilies, which are added to the chowder. If you don’t want it to be that spicy then you can use lesser chilies, or if you can keep the seeds.
4. Adding Cream Last: Whisking the double cream at the end does not curdle the chowder while adding the right thickness to chowder and keeping it creamy.
Customization
Herbs and Spices: Try substituting other herb such as thyme, bay or increase the heat a notch higher adding cayenne pepper.
Nutrient Benefits-
Ingredient | Nutrient Benefits |
Corn | Rich in fiber, vitamins B and C, and antioxidants |
Red Peppers | High in vitamin C and A, supports immune health |
Potatoes | Good source of potassium and vitamin B6 |
Garlic | Contains allicin, which may help lower cholesterol |
Cumin and Coriander | Rich in antioxidants, aids digestion |
Double Cream | Source of calcium and vitamin D |
Conclusion
Spicy Corn Chowder is not just a soup, it is even more it is a declaration of taste and tradition. It should not be missed since the African spices being used for making this chowder will bring a new type of experience to everyone who loves international cuisines. This dish can be a great welcome on a family dinner as well as during a dinner with friends or a company.
Call to Action
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