10 Plant-Based Chowder Recipes for Chilly Nights

Chowder is a really rich, thick, and creamy soup that usually contains milk or cream.  Traditionally, it is made with seafood, corn, or potatoes.  That said, it is easy to make a plant-based version of this super winter soup.

Potato and corn chowders are easy to make vegan-style, and there are lots of plant-based kinds of milk and cream to play with, but you can also experiment with ‘seafood’ chowder by substituting mushrooms or tofu.

As well, chowder often has a handful of crackers sprinkled into it to help with the thickening and to give a little bite (if you catch them quickly enough).

Check out these tasty recipes for hearty chowder that will keep you cozy this winter.

1.  Creamy New England Chowder

Source: Creamy New England Chowder/One Green Planet

Sautéed oyster mushrooms are used as the perfect clam substitute in this recipe for Creamy New England Chowder by Megan Sadd.  Potatoes, corn, and a homemade cashew cream make this the ultimate in creamy soups. Bake a sourdough loaf for dipping or throw in some crackers for crunch.

2.  The Best Corn and Potato Chowder

Source: The Best Corn and Potato Chowder/One Green Planet

Try making The Best Corn and Potato Chowder by Sarah Ottino.  With minimal preparation, you can be sitting with a hot bowl of soup in less than an hour.  The great thing is that if you make enough you can have it the next night, too.  This chowder stores and reheats really well–perfect for leftovers.

3.  Winter White Bean Chowder With Kale and Coconut Bacon

Source: Winter White Bean Chowder With Kale and Coconut Bacon/One Green Planet

This Winter White Bean Chowder With Kale and Coconut Bacon by Christine DesRoches is pretty souped-up! This chowder can be made with mostly pantry staples, and if you have some coconut on hand, you can whip up some coconut bacon as a garnish.

4.  Curried Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

Source: Curried Sweet Potato Corn Chowder/One Green Planet

Here is a creative version of classic chowder.  This Curried Sweet Potato Corn Chowder by Lisa Dawn Angerame gets a little pep from the yellow curry powder and a little sweetness from the sweet potatoes.  This is a rich and colorful soup that will leave you satisfied on a chilly evening.

5.  Manhattan Glam Chowder

Source: Manhattan Glam Chowder/One Green Planet

New York-style chowder is a little different in that it traditionally has a tomato base rather than a milky or creamy base.  If that sounds good to you, check out this recipe for a Manhattan Glam Chowder by Michael Suchman & Ethan Ciment.  Mushrooms take the place of the classic clams and Old Bay seasoning helps with that seafood flavor.

6.  Creamy Not-Clam Chowder

Source: Creamy Not-Clam Chowder/One Green Planet

Here is a wonderful recipe for a Creamy Not-Clam Chowder by Kathleen Henry.  This super thick and creamy soup is made so by cashew cream, potatoes, and plant-based milk and cream.  A smoked mushroom confit is piled onto the soup to give it an authentic flavor and extra texture.  Enjoy this chowder with a big hunk of homemade bread.

7.  Red Lentil Corn Chowder

Source: Red Lentil Corn Chowder/One Green Planet

If you are looking for chowder with a little extra protein, then this Red Lentil Corn Chowder by Kristen Genton is for you.  This is a super easy soup to make that you can have in a bowl before you within thirty minutes.  Lots of seasoning vegetables a some Old Bay give it a rich and comforting flavor.

8.  Quinoa Corn Chowder

Source: Quinoa Corn Chowder/One Green Planet 

Here is another protein-packed chowder.  Try making this Quinoa Corn Chowder by Crissy Cavanaugh.  Amazingly, quinoa is blended to make a creamy base with absolutely no extra milk or cream.  Beautiful warm spices and seasoning make this the perfect soup on a winter’s evening.

9.  Creamy Corn Chowder

Source: Creamy Corn Chowder/One Green Planet

This Creamy Corn Chowder by Diane Smith is filled with so many hearty vegetables and rich savory flavors.  This is definitely a crowd-pleaser of a soup.  Enjoy this true comfort food with some homemade crusty bread on a cold afternoon.

10.  New England Cauliflower Chowder

Source: New England Cauliflower Chowder/One Green Planet

Here is a lovely vegan take on a classic.  Try this New England Cauliflower Chowder by Lisa Dawn Angerame for a soup that is extra nutritious and extra delicious. With very few pantry staples, you can whip us a meal that will keep you full for hours.

Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home

Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental well-being, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Unfortunately, dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, and prostate cancer, and has many side effects. 

For those interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend purchasing one of our many plant-based cookbooks or downloading the Food Monster App which has thousands of delicious recipes making it the largest vegan recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals, and get healthy! While you are at it, we encourage you to learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Here are some resources to get you started:

• Weekly Vegan Meal Plans
• Plant-Based Health Resources
• Plant-Based Food & Recipes
• The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition
• Plant-Based Nutrition Resources
• Budget-Friendly Plant-Based Recipes
• High Protein Plant-Based Recipes
• Plant-Based Meal Prep

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