Quick & Spicy Sausage Corn Chowder: A Flavorful Weeknight Delight

Are you craving a warm, comforting, and flavorful meal that comes together in under an hour? Look no further than this quick and spicy sausage corn chowder! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of sweet corn, savory sausage, creamy potatoes, and a kick of spice creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, it’s easily customizable to your liking, allowing you to adjust the spice level and add your favorite toppings. Get ready to impress your family or friends with this delicious and easy-to-make chowder!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of sweet corn, savory sausage, and spicy seasonings creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
* **Comforting:** A warm and creamy chowder is the perfect comfort food.
* **Customizable:** Easily adjust the spice level and add your favorite toppings.
* **Versatile:** Can be served as a main course or a side dish.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses affordable and readily available ingredients.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Sausage:** 1 pound of your favorite sausage (Italian sausage, chorizo, or Andouille sausage work well). Remove the casings if necessary.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1 red or green bell pepper, chopped (optional, but adds great flavor and color).
* **Potatoes:** 2-3 medium Yukon Gold or red potatoes, peeled and diced.
* **Corn:** 2 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels (about 2-3 ears of corn).
* **Chicken Broth:** 4 cups chicken broth (vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option).
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup heavy cream (can substitute with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version).
* **Spices:** 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste), 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, salt and black pepper to taste.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon olive oil.
* **Optional Toppings:** Chopped green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, crumbled bacon.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious quick and spicy sausage corn chowder:

**Step 1: Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables**

1. Remove the sausage from its casing (if applicable) and crumble it into a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Add the olive oil to the pot.
3. Cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove the sausage from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. This fat will add flavor to the chowder.
5. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) to the pot with the sausage fat. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
6. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

**Step 2: Build the Chowder Base**

1. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them with the onion and garlic mixture.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the potatoes are submerged. If needed, add a little more broth to cover the potatoes.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.

**Step 3: Add the Corn, Sausage, and Spices**

1. Stir in the corn kernels (fresh or frozen) and the cooked sausage.
2. Add the smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired spice level.
3. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the corn to heat through.

**Step 4: Add Cream and Finish**

1. Reduce the heat to low.
2. Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half/milk). Be careful not to boil the chowder after adding the cream, as it may curdle.
3. Heat through gently for a minute or two, until the chowder is warmed through.
4. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. Ladle the hot chowder into bowls.
2. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, or crumbled bacon.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice it Up:** For a spicier chowder, add more cayenne pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the chowder, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini.
* **Thicken the Chowder:** If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes with a fork or use an immersion blender to partially blend the chowder. Be careful not to over-blend it, as you want to maintain some texture.
* **Use Different Types of Sausage:** Experiment with different types of sausage to find your favorite flavor combination. Chorizo, Andouille sausage, or even a spicy Italian sausage would all be delicious.
* **Add Cheese:** Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese at the end for an extra cheesy and creamy chowder.
* **Make it in a Slow Cooker:** You can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Simply brown the sausage and vegetables as directed, then transfer them to a slow cooker. Add the potatoes, corn, broth, and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Make it Dairy-Free:** Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Be aware that this will slightly alter the flavor of the chowder.
* **Smoked Sausage:** Using smoked sausage will add an incredible depth of flavour to the chowder.
* **Roast your corn:** Roasting your corn before adding it to the chowder will bring out the sweetness of the corn and add a smoky char flavour to the dish.

## Serving Suggestions

This quick and spicy sausage corn chowder is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

* **Serve with crusty bread or crackers:** For dipping and soaking up the delicious chowder.
* **Pair with a side salad:** A light and refreshing salad complements the richness of the chowder.
* **Top with fresh herbs:** Chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives add a fresh and vibrant touch.
* **Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt:** For added creaminess and tang.
* **Add a drizzle of hot sauce:** For an extra kick of spice.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chowder gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Be careful not to boil it, as the cream may curdle. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it every minute to prevent it from splattering.
* **Freezing:** While you can freeze chowder, the texture may change slightly after thawing. Dairy-based soups tend to separate when frozen and thawed. If you plan to freeze the chowder, it’s best to leave out the cream until after thawing and reheating. Add fresh cream then. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 400-500
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 100-150mg
* Sodium: 800-1000mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 4-6g
* Sugar: 10-15g
* Protein: 15-20g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Variations to consider:

* **Adding greens**: Adding chopped kale or spinach will make the dish more healthier.
* **Using different potatoes**: Different potatoes will yield different results. For example, russet potatoes will make the chowder more starchier and thicker. While red potatoes will hold their shape better and will be more suitable for a more chunky chowder.
* **Adding different spices**: You can add different spices to change the overall profile of the dish. Cumin will lend a more earthy flavour and oregano will lend a more Italian flavour.
* **Adding beer**: Adding half a cup of beer after cooking the onions and garlic will add an extra layer of flavour to the chowder. An IPA will impart bitterness, while a lager will be lighter and subtler.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?**
Yes, absolutely! Fresh corn will add an even sweeter and more vibrant flavor to the chowder. Simply cut the kernels off the cob and use them in place of the frozen corn.

* **Can I make this chowder ahead of time?**
Yes, you can prepare the chowder a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before serving. The flavors may even meld together and improve over time.

* **How do I prevent the cream from curdling when reheating?**
To prevent the cream from curdling, reheat the chowder gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling the chowder after adding the cream. If you’re reheating it in the microwave, stir it every minute to prevent hot spots and curdling.

* **Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?**
Yes, you can substitute milk for heavy cream, but the chowder will be less creamy and rich. You can also use half-and-half for a slightly richer option.

* **Is this chowder gluten-free?**
Yes, this chowder is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free sausage and chicken broth. Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

* **Can I add bacon to this chowder?**
Absolutely! Cooked and crumbled bacon makes a delicious topping for this chowder. You can also cook the bacon in the pot before adding the vegetables for extra flavor.

* **What kind of sausage is best for this recipe?**
Italian sausage, chorizo, and Andouille sausage all work well in this recipe. Choose your favorite type of sausage based on your desired flavor profile.

* **How long does this chowder last in the refrigerator?**
This chowder will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

* **Can I double or triple this recipe?**
Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure to use a large enough pot to accommodate all the ingredients.

* **What is the best way to thicken this chowder?**
You can thicken this chowder by mashing some of the potatoes with a fork or using an immersion blender to partially blend the chowder. Be careful not to over-blend it, as you want to maintain some texture. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the chowder while it’s simmering and stir until thickened.

* **Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?**
Yes! Brown the sausage and vegetables using the saute function. Add the potatoes, corn, broth, and spices. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then do a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release. Stir in the cream at the end.

This quick and spicy sausage corn chowder is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors and the satisfying kick of spice! Happy cooking!