This dairy-free corn chowder with rainbow trout is light, but filling. Perfect for Summer soup enjoyment!
These last few weeks of Summer, I'm all about soaking up both the nice weather and enjoying all the wonderful foods of Summer. This fresh corn chowder is a great way to cook with fresh corn, before it disappears for another year. It's also one-pan easy, so I can still spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying that nice weather.
My Fresh Summer Corn Chowder uses no cream or dairy. Not that I have anything against cream ;) I just didn't think it needed it. I was in the mood to have the flavours of fresh corn and basil shine through. Besides, the broth does inherit a bit of thickness from the addition of potatoes and I found it just enough for this time of year. If you'd like yours a little thicker or creamier, check out the Cook's Notes below for some ideas.
I opted for lovely fresh rainbow trout here. I love trout as a delicious (and more economical!) alternative to salmon.
Cook's Notes
There is absolutely no reason you can't add a splash of cream at the end of cooking this one, if you'd like a creamy chowder.
You can still skip the cream and thicken this soup by pureeing a bit of the soup and adding it back in.
While I love rainbow trout for a change, you can easily substitute salmon, if you prefer or if it's what you have on hand. Fresh or frozen will work.
Using a pot with a glass lid makes it super easy to see when the fish is cooked. You can just watch it change colour as it cooks, without having to lift the lid.
Fresh Summer Corn Chowder with Trout
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 1/3 cup red or yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 Tbsp flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups diced yellow or white potatoes, diced 1/2 inch
- 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels
- 1 rainbow trout fillet, skin removed and cut in to 1 inch pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For garnish:
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Fresh corn kernel strips
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or large pot (or deep skillet), melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring, until softened. Add flour and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute. Add chicken broth and potatoes. Increase heat to medium high and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer, uncovered, stirring once or twice, for about 5 minutes. Add corn kernels and simmer, until potatoes are just tender.
- When potatoes are tender, place trout pieces on top of chowder. Cover and cook until fish is just cooked, about 3-5 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Spoon in to bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and additional fresh corn kernels.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information provided for general guidance only and should not be relied upon to make personal health decisions.
Hi! I'm Jennifer, a home-cook of many years and a lifelong seeker of delicious food! I'm an equal opportunity eater. I enjoy eating all the foods!
Kat says
I found this recipe today while looking for something to do with a single trout fillet. I didn’t have fresh corn and so used frozen corn, and while I probably would have had to knock off a star because of that, I added cream at the end, which definitely made up for it. I know I’ll make this again. I always seem to have some type of fish fillet in the freezer, and I always have milk or cream on hand, which makes this recipe one I can make with pantry staples. Thank you, Jennifer!
Jennifer says
So glad you enjoyed it, Kat :) Thanks so much!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Goodness, this chowder looks heavenly delicious, Jennifer! I love the addition of trout and I loooove that you nixed the dairy to make it super light! I am all about celebrating what remains of summer while we still can, so this soup is screaming my name! Cheers, friend!
Jennifer says
Thanks Cheyanne and yes, there's a long winter of creamy soups ahead, so I like the change now :)
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
This is such a beautiful, healthy meal, and it's just the way we really eat here...I don't use trout enough, I'm definitely going to make this one Jennifer!
Jennifer says
Thanks Sue and yes, I love the change from salmon :)
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
We love corn chowder Jennifer. Love the addition of the trout. I usually add chicken, but I think we'd love the change up!
Jennifer says
Thanks Mary Ann and yes, the trout was lovely with the corn and potatoes. I think you'd enjoy it :)
[email protected] says
This is a very exciting bowl of soup! I love the balance of flavor and the addition of trout! Great idea!! Pinned!
Jennifer says
Thanks so much, Annie :)
Chris Scheuer says
My husband is such a trout lover and will go crazy over this! And I think Rainbow Trout Chowder sounds much more inviting and delicious than Salmon Chowder!
Jennifer says
Thanks Chris and yes, the trout was perfect in this chowder. I definitely preferred it to salmon :)
Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert says
Wow, this is the perfect recipe for this time of year and a wonderful combination of flavors. We used to eat trout all the time when we lived in Tennessee. My whole family would LOVE this recipe! Sweet summer corn is perfect in this chowder!
Jennifer says
Thanks Tricia :) I am a big fan of trout. I love the flavour and it works just about anywhere salmon does.