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Creamy Hatch Green Chile Corn Chowder Recipe with Crispy Bacon

creamy hatch green chile corn chowder - featured image
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A creamy, sweet, and mildly spicy corn chowder featuring smoky roasted Hatch green chiles and crispy bacon, perfect for warming up cold winter days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 5–6 ears) or frozen corn
  • 2–3 medium-sized roasted and peeled Hatch green chiles, chopped
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend/cornstarch for gluten-free option)
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half or dairy-free milk alternative)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • A handful of fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven broiler on high. Place fresh Hatch green chiles on a rimmed baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes per side until skins are blackened and blistered. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let steam for 10 minutes. Peel skins, remove seeds, and chop. (If using jarred chiles, chop and set aside.)
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon slices until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan.
  3. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt butter with reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds without burning.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.
  5. Slowly whisk in chicken broth to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
  6. Stir in corn kernels and chopped Hatch chiles. Simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors and soften corn.
  7. Lower heat and stir in whole milk. Heat gently for 5 minutes without boiling. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. Ladle chowder into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon and chopped cilantro or parsley.

Notes

If chowder is too thick, stir in additional broth or milk to reach desired consistency. Avoid boiling after adding milk to prevent curdling. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend or cornstarch. For dairy-free, use coconut or almond milk and olive oil instead of butter. Roasting chiles and letting them steam makes peeling easier and enhances smoky flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: corn chowder, Hatch green chile, bacon, creamy soup, winter soup, easy chowder, roasted chiles, comfort food

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/creamy-hatch-green-chile-corn-chowder-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-easy-and-perfect-for-winter/