Vegan Corn Chowder
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.I love making this vegan corn chowder since it keeps me warm on a chilly day with its comforting and delicious flavors. This lightened up version stays hearty and filling, perfect for cold weather meals that my family always looks forward to. The soup is super creamy and it is ready in just 30 minutes, which makes it easy to feed my crew.
I call myself a soup lady and I say it proudly. Ha! This vegan corn chowder is something I can enjoy any time of the year. I never wait for a dark or chilly day to crave all the rich flavors and simple ingredients in each bowl. If you enjoy soup as much as I do, then this recipe is made for you and I hope you give it a try.
The sweetness from the corn, the heartiness from the potato, and the freshness from the lime, cilantro, and bell pepper always draw me back to another bowl. It’s also a great alternative to my Ginger Carrot Coconut Soup or my comforting Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup when I want something hearty and uplifting.
👩🏽🍳 Why I Love This Recipe
I invited my family over for dinner last weekend, and I knew right away that I wanted to make my creamy corn chowder. As soon as everyone sat down, my husband and my nephews grabbed their spoons and went straight in, and even my picky nephew surprised me by asking for another serving. It is a dish that fits every age at the table, and I can make a big pot without any stress when I need to feed a crowd.
This vegan chowder works great because of the combination of wholesome ingredients. Quinoa adds texture and protein, potatoes give creaminess without cream, and the corn brings that sweet, fresh flavor. I toast the quinoa and cumin seeds first to unlock extra depth, and then cook the vegetables in unsweetened soy milk and low-sodium broth. Once everything is blended, the soup has a thick and creamy texture that’s super comforting and hearty. Yum!
I love serving this chowder to my family because I can make a batch since it stores well and have it later in the week in colder months. Last week, I brought a pot over when my sister came by, and my nephews went back for seconds before I could even get my own bowl. It is perfect for busy weeknights or a casual family dinner, and as a nutritionist, I know everyone is getting something nourishing and satisfying.
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🥘 Ingredients
Here are the key ingredients I use to make this creamy, hearty, and flavorful vegan corn and quinoa chowder.
Quinoa: I add quinoa to make the chowder more hearty and filling.
Corn: I use corn as the main flavor that brings sweetness to the chowder.
Potato: I blend the potato to give the soup a creamy texture.
Unsweetened Plant Milk: I choose unsweetened plant milk to replace heavy cream in a lighter way.
Bell Pepper: I add bell pepper for a soft sweetness.
Aromatics: I cook shallots or onions to build a rich base for the broth.
Warm Spices: I season the soup with cumin, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Vegetable Broth: I use low sodium vegetable broth as the main liquid.
Fresh Garnishes: I finish the chowder with cilantro and lime for brightness.
🔪 How To Make
Here are the steps I follow when I make this vegan corn chowder with quinoa:
Toast the quinoa and spices: I warm the quinoa and cumin seeds in a pot over medium high heat for 3 to 4 minutes while stirring until they turn golden and fragrant. Then I move them to a bowl.
Sauté the vegetables: I heat a little oil in a pot and add the corn, potato, and shallots. I cook them for about 5 minutes until the shallots turn translucent.
Simmer the chowder: I pour in the broth and soymilk and bring the pot to a boil. Then I add the toasted quinoa and all the spices and let everything simmer on medium low for 10 minutes.
Finish the vegetables: I stir in the bell pepper, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the quinoa and vegetables are tender. Then I take it off the heat and mix in the chopped cilantro.
Serve the chowder: I ladle the chowder into bowls and add cilantro sprigs and lime wedges on top. I usually squeeze the lime into my bowl and give it a quick stir before enjoying it.
💭 Expert Tips
My #1 Secret Tip for this recipe is to keep the quinoa and cumin seeds moving the whole time they toast. They can burn in seconds, so I stir without stopping and watch the color closely. If they turn too dark or start to smell sharp, I toss them out and begin again.
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- Taste as you go: I check the seasoning a few times while it simmers since the flavors deepen and may need a little extra salt or lime.
- Cut the potatoes evenly: I chop the potatoes into similar sized pieces so they cook at the same speed and blend smoothly.
- Adjust the thickness: If the chowder becomes too thick, I add a splash of broth. If it is too thin, I let it simmer a little longer uncovered.
- Blend gently: I blend only part of the soup so I keep a nice mix of creamy base and chunky vegetables.
- Use fresh lime: I squeeze fresh lime right before serving since it brightens the whole pot and makes the flavors pop.
📖 Variations
To suit different tastes and dietary needs, I have put together a few variations of this recipe that are easy to try at home.
Swap with grain or legume: I use 1 cup of cooked brown rice, barley, or beans when I want a different base instead of quinoa. These swaps blend well with the chowder and keep it hearty.
Protein and fiber boost: I stir in 1 cup of cooked beans or lentils toward the end of cooking. This makes the chowder more filling and adds great nutrition for lunch or dinner.
Veggie‑loaded or seasonal mix: I add 1 to 2 cups of extra vegetables like carrots, zucchini, spinach, or roasted bell peppers. I also use sweet potatoes or butternut squash when I want more natural sweetness and a thicker texture.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
I like to serve this chowder with a simple side salad to keep the meal fresh and balanced. I often make my beetroot and feta salad or my apple and walnut salad to add extra brightness and veggies to the table.
For a heartier spread, I love pairing it with a gooey sourdough grilled cheese sandwich, though my tasty Greek pita sandwich works fantastic as well next to a warm bowl of chowder.
🧊 Storage Directions
Refrigeration: Once the vegan corn chowder cools completely, I transfer it to an airtight container. The leftovers usually stay fresh in the fridge for about 4-5 days as long as they’re stored in an airtight container.
Freezing: I pour the cooled chowder into a freezer bag and press out as much air as I can. I lay it flat in the freezer for 2 to 3 hours until it is solid, then move the bag to free up space. I also use a sturdy freezer-safe container with a tight lid when I want a more structured option.
Reheating: Let the leftover vegan corn chowder thaw in the fridge. Once it is soft enough to stir, I warm it in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until hot. I stir often while reheating so the chowder warms evenly and keeps its creamy texture.
❓Recipe FAQs
Why did my chowder taste too bland?
If the chowder tastes flat, it might be because the spices didn’t fully release their flavor. When I cook it, I toast the quinoa and cumin seeds first until they smell fragrant, then add the broth and plant milk.
Can I make the chowder richer without using dairy?
Yes. When I want a richer bowl, I blend a little more of the potatoes and broth together until thick and silky, then pour it back in. Sometimes I stir in a tiny splash of canned coconut milk, which adds richness without making it taste like coconut.
My vegetables cooked unevenly. How do I stop that from happening?
It usually means the potatoes or carrots were cut in different sizes. I chop everything into small, even pieces so they soften at the same time. When I’m in a rush and things end up uneven, I simmer the chowder a bit longer and smash a few of the softer potatoes with the back of my spoon to help everything blend.
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🎥 Watch How to Make It
Vegan Corn Chowder
I love making this vegan corn chowder since it keeps me warm on a chilly day with its comforting and delicious flavors. This lightened up version stays hearty and filling, perfect for cold weather meals that my family always looks forward to. The soup is super creamy and it is ready in just 30 minutes, which makes it easy to feed my crew.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 253kcal
Ingredients
- ¾ cup white quinoa rinsed and drained
- 1 tsp. cumin seeds
- ½ Tbsp olive oil or organic canola oil
- 2½ cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup diced red potato
- 4 small shallots chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups plain unsweetened, organic soymilk
- 1 large red bell pepper diced
- 3 tbsp chopped cilantro plus a few sprigs for garnish
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ⅛-¼ tsp crushed red pepper to taste, depending on how spicy you like things
- ½ tsp salt more to taste
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Toast quinoa and cumin seeds in pot over medium-high heat, 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly. Transfer to bowl.
- Heat oil in pot; add corn, potato and shallots. Sauté 5 minutes, or until shallots are translucent.
- Add broth and soymilk and bring to a boil. Stir in quinoa mixture and all spices (cumin powder through black pepper). Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer 10 minutes.
- Stir in bell pepper, cover and simmer 5 minutes, or until quinoa and vegetables are tender. Remove from heat; stir in chopped cilantro.
- Ladle into soup bowls, and garnish with cilantro sprigs and lime wedges (squeeze lime juice into soup and stir before eating).
Notes
- My #1 Secret Tip for this recipe is to keep the quinoa and cumin seeds moving the whole time they toast. They can burn in seconds, so I stir without stopping and watch the color closely. If they turn too dark or start to smell sharp, I toss them out and begin again.
- Taste as you go: I check the seasoning a few times while it simmers since the flavors deepen and may need a little extra salt or lime.
- Cut the potatoes evenly: I chop the potatoes into similar sized pieces so they cook at the same speed and blend smoothly.
- Adjust the thickness: If the chowder becomes too thick, I add a splash of broth. If it is too thin, I let it simmer a little longer uncovered.
- Blend gently: I blend only part of the soup so I keep a nice mix of creamy base and chunky vegetables.
- Use fresh lime: I squeeze fresh lime right before serving since it brightens the whole pot and makes the flavors pop.
Nutrition
Calories: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 7g | Sodium: 378mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g
Hi Anjali,
I will be making this chowder for dinner tonight! Can’t wait to try it and I’m so glad to have found your blog. I am always looking for healthy, vegetarian meals to prepare with my family and this looks like a winner! I am looking forward to exploring your blog!
Oh awesome! It’s so great to “meet” you Laura! I can’t wait to hear how you and your family like this recipe 🙂 Keep me posted as you explore more of the recipes on my blog!
I am eating this right now. It has such a delicious flavor. I only had red quinoa and coconut milk and I didn’t have limes so I used lime juice from a bottle but it’s still really good. I imagine it would be a little bit creamier with white quinoa and a little less broth-like if I used soy milk instead of coconut milk. But it’s really good and I look forward to making it again when I have all of the ingredients on hand. This soup has my name written all over it. Thanks for sharing.
Oh great! I’m glad the substitutions turned out well for you 🙂 You’re right, I think the soy milk will make it more creamy — since when it heats up it gets a little bit thicker. So glad you liked this recipe Ashley!
Thanks for sharing this info! 🙂
No problem! Enjoy!
Made this last night! Delicious! Loved all the different textures. 🙂
Yayyy! So glad you liked this recipe Parita! 🙂
Looks delicious. Definitely trying this, but I might add coconut milk. Love your blog and follow it!
Thanks Rekha! I’d be interested to hear how it tastes with coconut milk – keep me posted on how it turns out!
This looks so amazing! I love the color and texture of chowder its absolutely perfect. Can’t wait to try this recipe out. Thanks for this wonderful recipe! 🙂
Thanks so much Sylvia! I’m sure you will love this recipe – it’s perfect for the season! 🙂
Thanks for the recipe 🙂 It’s on the stove for tonight! Whenever I’m in the bulk foods aisle at my grocery store I’m faced with the decision between regular quinoa, red, or mixed! Do you notice a difference in flavour? I usually buy for the interest of colour but I wonder if there’s more to it!
Awesome!! I can’t wait for you to try it 🙂 So there are slight differences between red, black and white quinoa (but not major ones). White quinoa has the softest texture of the three, while red or black maintain a more firm “crunchy” texture when cooked. Black quinoa also has a slightly more earthy flavor than the other two varieties. Hope that helps!
Thanks for the info Anjali (and the chowder was AMAZING!).
No problem! And yay!! So glad to hear it!
YUM!
I just stumbled upon your blog and love it – I’m always looking for a vegan way to get a creamy taste!!!
Thanks so much Elizabeth!! It’s so great to “meet” you! 🙂
this look so delicious!
Yay! Thanks Danielle! Let me know if you end up trying it!
This quinoa chowder looks absolutely amazing, it’s so creamy and I’m sure very yummy too.
I’ll definitely give this recipe a go.
I eat meat too but I love soups like this. I tried different brands of soy milk but not a big fan:(
Thanks for sharing this great recipe!
Naomi
Thanks for your comment! Let me know how it turns out for you. I’m not a huge fan of soy milk either – but you can’t even taste this one in the soup (I got it from Trader Joe’s). Love your blog btw – I’m always looking for more recipes to make with quinoa!
Hi Anjali,
I’m glad to have found your blog via LinkedIn. I’ve been looking for a good quinoa recipe and this one looks delish — can’t wait to try it out, especially since my husband, who is a big meat-eater (but who I’ve gotten to eat more meatless meals — triumph! :-)), loves corn chowder.
Thanks so much for your comment Stephanie! 🙂 Let me know how you and your husband like this soup once you make it. My husband used to be a big meat-eater too – and he thought the soup was super hearty so I think this recipe definitely works for all types of foodies 🙂
This looks really creamy and delicious. Can you taste the soy milk in the soup? I’ve been making a few quinoa soups and I really like it since quinoa is so much healthier than pasta.
So, the amazing thing is – you can’t taste the soy milk in the soup at ALL! Just make sure you get the unsweetened, unflavored one. It just gives the soup an amazing, creamy texture without adding all of the fat/etc of regular cream. And totally agree with you about quinoa – its such a great substitute!
that sounds like a delicious chowder!! I have my girls eating quinoa on a regular basis now, I will have to try your recipe!
Cheers
Dennis
Yay! Thanks Dennis 🙂 I can’t wait to hear how you and your girls like this recipe!
I am absolutely trying this out! Thanks for a great recipe! Yummy! I wonder how some navy beans would do in the mix?
Awesome!! I think navy beans could probably work in this soup. If you do decide to add them, I’d recommend decreasing the quinoa amount a bit (maybe to about 1/3 or 1/2 cup depending on how much of the beans you add) – so the soup doesn’t get too thick. Let me know how it turns out!
Can NOT wait to make this! Thank you for sharing!
Yay! Thanks Jennifer! I’m sure you will love this recipe!
Very cool recipe
Thanks! Hope you like it!