Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Chowder! This creamy, flavorful dish captures the vibrant essence of Mexican street food, bringing the deliciousness of elote right to your kitchen. With just a little prep time and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you can enjoy a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving something hearty, this chowder is sure to impress your family and friends. Dive into the recipe and discover how easy it is to whip up this crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn kernels
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the corn kernels by either using fresh corn cut from the cob or high-quality frozen corn. If using fresh corn, ensure kernels are clean and free from silk.
- Dice the onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the chowder.
- Place corn kernels and diced onion into the slow cooker, creating an even base layer for the chowder.
- Pour vegetable broth over the corn and onions, ensuring all ingredients are well-moistened and distributed.
- Season the mixture with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to ensure spices are evenly incorporated.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Allow the chowder to cook slowly for 4 hours, which will help develop deep, rich flavors.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the heavy cream to create a rich, creamy texture.
- Once cooking is complete, squeeze fresh lime juice over the chowder to add brightness and acidity.
- Garnish with crumbled cotija cheese just before serving, which will add a salty, tangy flavor and creamy texture.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous amount of corn and toppings.
Tips
- Choose Quality Corn: For the best flavor, opt for fresh corn cut from the cob when in season, or use high-quality frozen corn. Ensure the kernels are clean and free from silk for a smoother chowder.
- Uniform Onion Dicing: Dice the onion into small, uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and helps distribute the onion's flavor throughout the chowder.
- Layer Ingredients: When adding the corn and onion to the slow cooker, create an even base layer. This allows for better cooking and flavor melding.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the chili powder, salt, and pepper. These spices are key to bringing out the rich flavors of the chowder, so taste and adjust as needed.
- Slow Cook for Flavor: Cooking on low for the full 4 hours is essential for developing deep, rich flavors. Resist the urge to rush the process for the best results.
- Add Cream at the End: Stir in the heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will ensure the chowder remains rich and creamy without curdling.
- Finish with Fresh Lime: Squeezing fresh lime juice over the chowder just before serving brightens the dish and adds a refreshing acidity that balances the creaminess.
- Garnish Wisely: Top each serving with crumbled cotija cheese for an extra layer of flavor and texture. The salty, tangy cheese pairs perfectly with the chowder’s sweetness.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy your chowder hot in deep bowls, ensuring each serving is loaded with corn and toppings for a satisfying meal.
- Pair with Sides: Consider serving the chowder with crusty bread or tortilla chips for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
