Roasted Poblano Corn Chowder

5 from 1 review

Roasted Poblano Corn Chowder

This creamy Roasted Poblano Corn Chowder recipe combines the smokiness of roasted poblano peppers, sweet corn, potatoes, and Mexican spices in a flavorful creamy broth. This easy poblano chowder recipe can be made vegetarian, dairy-free, and vegan.

Course Soup

Cuisine Mexican, Tex Mex

Keyword Poblano chowder, Poblano Corn Chowder, Poblano Corn Chowder recipe, Roasted Poblano Corn Chowder

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Servings Servings

Calories 215kcal

Author Chef Kathy McDaniel

Ingredients

For the Chowder:

5 large poblano peppers
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter optional
1 medium/large onion diced
1 small red bell pepper diced
2 celery ribs diced
1 large carrot diced (with or without peel)
4 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
3 cups about 1 pound potatoes, diced into about ½ inch chunks, with or without peels (*see notes)
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth divided
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon of salt and more to taste
12-14 ounces frozen corn about 1 ½ cups, or about 3 fresh medium ears of corn or 1 (14-ounce) can of corn, drained
1 cup half and half whole milk or plant-based milk (*see notes)
Ground black pepper to taste

For serving (optional):

Chopped cilantro
Fresh lime wedges
Shredded cheese
Sour cream

Instructions

Start by roasting or blackening the poblano peppers in the oven, under the broiler, in the air fryer, the grill, over an open flame or in a dry skillet on the stove top. Click the link to learn how to roast poblano peppers 6 different ways!
When the peppers are blackened and blistered on all sides, cover them or place them in a resealable bag and allow them to steam for about 5-6 minutes so they can be easily peeled. Pick and rub off as much skin as possible.
On a cutting board, cut the peppers open , pull the stems, remove the seeds and discard both. Cut the peppers into small pieces and set them aside.
In a large soup pot or large Dutch oven, heat the oil and melt the butter over medium-high heat.
Add the onions, bell peppers, celery and carrots and saute stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent, about 6-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, cumin, oregano and ground coriander and cook until fragrant, about a minute. Add the potatoes and broth making sure you have enough broth to cover the potatoes by about half an inch. If you need to, add more broth or water.
Add the bay leaves and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover the pot and simmer, until the potatoes become tender, about 12-15 minutes.
Uncover the pot and discard the bay leaves. Scoop about 3 cups of chowder and transfer it to a blender. Blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender and process, making sure to leave some potato chunks whole. If using a regular blender, transfer the soup back to the pot. Stir in the corn (no need to thaw it out) and chopped poblano peppers. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes. Stir in the half and half or milk and simmer for a couple of minutes. Season to taste with salt and ground black pepper. If using chopped cilantro, you can stir it into the soup at this time. Serve with preferred toppings

Notes

I love using Yukon gold or red potatoes (with or without peel). Russet potatoes will also work. I prefer peeling Russet potatoes because of the thickness of their skin.
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
This recipe can be made 1-2 days ahead of time.
If you are worried about the spice level of poblano peppers, after the peppers are roasted, remove all the seeds and veins (that's where the heat comes from!) before adding them to the chowder.

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