Basic Corn Chowder

I found this on the New York Times' web site (see here). It's pretty simple and makes an excellent chowder, though you'll need to add a good bit of salt, herbs and any other seasonings you'd like. The chowder pairs nicely with Miriam's beer bread!

Yields 4 servings
Prep time: 45 minutes

For maximum efficiency, strip the corn and get the cobs simmering in water first; then chop the onion while the oil is heating, and peel and chop the potatoes as the onions are cooking. At that point, almost all of the work is done.

Ingredients

* 4 to 6 ears of corn
* 1 tablespoon butter or neutral oil, like canola or grapeseed
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 2 tomatoes, cored, seeded and chopped (optional)
* 1 cup whole or low-fat milk
* 1/2 cup chopped parsley (optional).

Method

* 1. Shuck corn, and use a paring knife to strip kernels into a bowl. Put cobs in a pot with 4 cups water; bring to a boil, cover and simmer while you continue.
* 2. Put butter or oil in a saucepan, and turn heat to medium-high. When butter melts or oil is hot, add onion and potatoes, along with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion softens, about 5 minutes; add tomatoes and cook, stirring, for another minute or two.
* 3. After corncobs have cooked at least 10 minutes, strain liquid into onion-potato mixture; bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer. When potatoes are tender, add corn kernels and milk, and heat through. Taste, and adjust seasonings. Garnish with the parsley and serve.

Variations

* Corn chowder with bacon and cream: In Step 2, substitute 1/2 cup chopped bacon for butter or oil; cook over medium heat until it renders some of its fat, then add onion. In Step 3, use heavy cream or half-and-half in place of milk.
* Curried corn chowder: In Step 2, use oil, and add 1 tablespoon each curry powder and peeled and minced ginger to the onions. In Step 3, use sour cream in place of milk; garnish with cilantro in place of parsley.