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Homemade Sweet Corn & Zucchini Chowder (Instant-Pot) recipe photo
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Sweet Corn & Zucchini Chowder (Instant-Pot)

This Sweet Corn & Zucchini Chowder is SO EASY! A creamy, flavorful Instant Pot soup bursting with fresh veggies and warming spices.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Comfort Food, Creamy, Easy, Instant Pot, Quick, Vegetarian
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 medium zucchinis diced
  • 2 cups sweet corn fresh or frozen
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  • Turn on your Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
  • Toss in the diced zucchinis and sweet corn. Stir to combine and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the vegetables to start softening. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices, enhancing their natural flavors.
  • Pour 4 cups of vegetable broth over the sautéed veggies and spices. Give everything a good stir, making sure nothing is stuck to the bottom of the pot to avoid the burn warning. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
  • Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to venting. Open the lid and stir the chowder. Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. The creamy texture will turn the chowder into a luscious, velvety soup.
  • Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. This chowder is perfect on its own or paired with some crusty bread for dipping.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Immersion Blender

Notes

  • Use fresh corn if possible for the sweetest flavor, but frozen corn works beautifully in a pinch.
  • To make the chowder thicker, mash some cooked vegetables or blend a portion before adding cream.
  • Deglaze the Instant Pot well after sautéing to prevent burn warnings during pressure cooking.
  • Adjust seasoning after cooking for the best flavor balance.
  • For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew-based cream.