Sweet Potato, Corn and Kale Chowder

Written by
Peggy Trowbridge Filippone
Peggy Trowbridge Filippone is a writer who develops approachable recipes for home cooks. Her recipes range from Grandma’s favorites to the latest food trends.
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Peggy Trowbridge Filippone
Updated 08/21/19
Sweet potato, corn and kale chowder

Zoryana Ivchenko / Getty Images
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 35 mins
Total: 55 mins
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
187 Calories
5g Fat
32g Carbs
5g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 to 8
Amount per serving
Calories 187
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g 7%
Saturated Fat 1g 4%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 519mg 23%
Total Carbohydrate 32g 11%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Protein 5g
Calcium 80mg 6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This vegetarian chunky soup filled with carrots, sweet potatoes, tomato, corn, and kale is hearty enough to be a main meal. The cashews add extra protein and thickening power. However, they may be omitted for those with nut allergies. The ingredient list may appear daunting, but this is extremely simple to make and does not take long. You do not have to be vegetarian to enjoy this one.

Recipe reprinted with permission from The Whole Foods Market Cookbook by Steve Petusevsky (Clarkson Potter).

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 2 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)
  • 1 medium red onion (chopped)
  • 1 rib celery (chopped)
  • 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1 large sweet potato (peeled and chopped)
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme (minced)
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 medium tomato (chopped)
  • 5 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 3 cups stemmed and chopped kale leaves
  • Salt and ground white pepper (to taste)
  • Cayenne pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon tepid water
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup cashew pieces (optional)

Steps to Make It

  1. Heat oil in a large nonreactive pot over medium-high heat. Saute carrots, red onions, celery, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes 3 minutes. Add thyme and turmeric. Combine well with vegetables. Add tomatoes and broth; simmer 20 minutes.

  2. Add corn, kale, salt, and white pepper. Simmer 5 minutes. Season with cayenne pepper.

  3. Thicken either of two ways: Combine cornstarch with 1 tablespoon tepid water. With soup simmering, stir in cornstarch mixture. Continue to stir and simmer 3 minutes to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in parsley.

  4. If using cashews, place nuts in a blender or food processor fitted with the metal blade. Add cornstarch mixture and 3/4 cup warm soup broth; blend or process to combine. Return mixture to simmering soup, continue to simmer, stirring often, 3 minutes.

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