Recipe

Michigan Corn Chowder

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This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Corn off the Cob
Sagegreen's Testing Notes: Sanscravat, in his attempt to recreate a corn chowder he enjoyed at a roadside café in Michigan, gives us a simple, direct easy to follow recipe. First the lemongrass cooks just long enough...
Sanscravat, in his attempt to recreate a corn chowder he enjoyed at a roadside café in Michigan, gives us a simple, direct easy to follow recipe. First the lemongrass cooks just long enough to infuse the stock, and then exits the scene. Enter the summer trifecta of vegetables. To make this chowder you cut up red peppers and onions very democratically the size of the corn kernels ... with a resulting rendition of a summer mirepoix or holy trinity, only better. The aroma and colors are more enchanting. Lastly, a tiny splash of cream and a fresh garnish of parsley: Pure, clear wonderful flavors of summer shine in your bowl. Thanks, sanscravat for your interpretation of this delicate summer chowder. - Sagegreen

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Chef
sanscravat's Notes: We had this soup in a small roadside café, near Lake Michigan and not far from the Indiana border. It's light yet satisfying, very flavorful, not at all heavy-handed with the cream, and so...
We had this soup in a small roadside café, near Lake Michigan and not far from the Indiana border. It's light yet satisfying, very flavorful, not at all heavy-handed with the cream, and so impressive that we asked our server about the recipe. Unfortunately, she told us that the chef "never tells anyone what he does in his kitchen" -- so this is merely an attempt to recreate it. The secret, of course, is the subtle and unexpected tang of lemongrass. - sanscravat

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Serves 4

1 quart good chicken stock Ask a question about this ingredient

1 stalk fresh lemongrass, chopped Ask a question about this ingredient

3 ears fresh corn Ask a question about this ingredient

1 sweet red pepper, seeded & chopped to size of corn kernels Ask a question about this ingredient

1 small onion chopped to size of corn kernels Ask a question about this ingredient

salt & pepper to taste Ask a question about this ingredient

1 teaspoon Italian parsley, chopped Ask a question about this ingredient

1 tablespoon heavy cream Ask a question about this ingredient

Combine lemongrass and stock, simmer 20 minutes (until the stock is well-flavored). Strain the stock and reserve, discarding the lemongrass.
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Cut kernels from cobs, then scrape the cobs with edge of knife to extract all the milky fluid from the base of the kernels.
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Add corn, red pepper and onions to stock, simmer until vegetables are tender.
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Add cream and parsley, adjust seasoning, and serve, garnished with a sprig of Italian Parsley
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2 Comments on Michigan Corn Chowder

Ms. T added 9 months ago

Congratulations, this sounds delicious--the lemongrass is a brilliant touch.

Sagegreen added 9 months ago

I was really impressed by how wonderful this chowder is in its lightness and freshness. If you would like me to upload my photo of my bowl, let me know.