Mimi's Cafe Corn Chowder Recipe

Jennifer Segal

15 May, 2024

Craving Mimi's Cafe Corn Chowder? Try our unique, spicy twist on this classic recipe. Your taste buds won't be disappointed!

Mimis Cafe Corn Chowder

Publisher: Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: American
Category: Soup
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 400 calories

Mimi's Cafe is well-known for its comforting and delicious corn chowder, a popular item on its menu. Mimi's Cafe corn chowder is a creamy and hearty soup that combines the sweetness of corn with the richness of half-and-half cream.

This soup is made by sautéing onions and celery in butter until they are soft but not browned, then adding water, potatoes, and, of course, lots of corn. The potatoes and corn simmer together until the potatoes are tender, creating a thick and satisfying base for the chowder.

To achieve that creamy consistency, Mimi's Cafe corn chowder incorporates a roux made by whisking flour into half-and-half cream. This roux is gradually added to the soup, resulting in a luxurious texture. The soup is seasoned with sugar, salt, and white pepper, creating a well-balanced flavor profile.

Mimi's Cafe corn chowder is a beloved classic, loved for its comforting qualities and sweet corn flavor. It's a perfect dish for those seeking a warm and creamy soup to savor on a chilly day, and it's served in the cozy ambiance of Mimi's Cafe locations throughout the United States.

Recipe

Discover a Spicy Twist on Classic Corn Chowder! Our unique recipe combines creamy comfort with zesty chorizo for a flavor explosion.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons onions, chopped
3⁄4 cup celery, large dice
2 1⁄2 cups hot water
2 cups potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 quart half-and-half cream
3 cups frozen corn, thawed
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 pinch white pepper
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 pound spicy chorizo sausage, crumbled
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Method Instructions

Follow the original recipe up to the step where you've added water, potatoes, corn, and seasonings.
In a separate pan, cook the crumbled chorizo until it's browned and crispy. Remove any excess grease.
Add the diced red bell pepper to the chorizo and sauté until it's tender.
Add the chorizo and red bell pepper mixture to your chowder.
Stir in the black beans, cumin, and chili powder for a southwestern kick.
Continue with the original recipe by whisking the flour into 1 cup of half & half and stirring into the soup, then adding the remaining 3 cups of half & half.
Simmer for about 15 minutes until the soup thickens to a creamy consistency.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

This unique twist combines the creamy comfort of corn chowder with the bold and spicy flavors of chorizo and southwestern spices. Enjoy!

Recipe Video

Mimis Cafe Corn Chowder

This is a video about Mimis Cafe Corn Chowder.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 258 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Mimis Cafe Corn Chowder, Mimis Cafe Corn Chowder Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Mimi's Cafe corn chowder is typically served as a delicious and comforting appetizer or main course. Here's how you can serve it:

As an Appetizer:

Start by ladling a portion of the corn chowder into a warm soup bowl or cup.
Consider adding a garnish like fresh chopped chives, crumbled bacon, or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor and presentation.
Pair it with a side of warm, crusty bread, breadsticks, or oyster crackers for some added texture and a delightful contrast to the creamy chowder.

As a Main Course:

If you're serving Mimi's Cafe corn chowder as a main course, provide larger servings in bowls.
You might want to add some protein to make it a heartier meal. Grilled chicken, diced ham, or even sautéed shrimp are excellent choices to mix into the chowder.
Serve it with a side salad, like a garden salad with a light vinaigrette or a Caesar salad, to create a well-rounded meal.

For an extra touch, consider offering hot sauce or a sprinkle of paprika for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Mimi's Cafe corn chowder is a versatile dish, so you can customize it to suit your preferences. Enjoy your meal!

Tips

Adjust the Spice Level: The level of spiciness in the chowder depends on the type of chorizo you use. If you prefer a milder version, look for sweet chorizo. For an extra kick, opt for hot chorizo. You can also adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your taste.
Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh corn and bell peppers for the best flavor. However, if they're not in season, you can use frozen corn and jarred roasted red peppers as convenient alternatives.
Thickening the Chowder: If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can add a bit more flour or simmer it a bit longer. Conversely, if you like it thinner, add a touch more half-and-half or water.
Garnish Creatively: Be creative with your garnishes. Fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream can add a burst of freshness and color to your chowder.
Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the chorizo and red pepper mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to make the chowder, simply add it in.
Serve with Sides: Consider serving this chowder with crusty bread, cornbread, or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal.
Taste as You Go: Throughout the cooking process, taste the chowder and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Remember, it's easier to add more salt or spices gradually than to correct an overly seasoned dish.
Store and Reheat: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors tend to meld and intensify, making it even tastier the next day.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you're looking for ingredient substitutes for the Mimi's Cafe Corn Chowder recipe, I have here a few options for you:

Butter: You can substitute butter with margarine, olive oil, or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Half-and-Half Cream: If you prefer a lighter version, you can use whole milk or a milk alternative like almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. Keep in mind that the consistency and richness may vary with these substitutions.
Frozen Corn: While fresh corn is ideal, you can use canned corn or creamed corn as a substitute. Just adjust the quantity to match the recipe's requirements.
Potatoes: Potatoes can be substituted with other starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or cauliflower. They will add a different flavor but maintain the chowder's thickness.
Onions and Celery: These are key flavor components, but you can use leeks or shallots in place of onions and fennel or bell peppers in place of celery for variations in flavor.
Flour: If you require a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickening agent.
Sugar: You can substitute regular sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar for a different sweetness.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the salt, white pepper, and any other seasonings to your taste. You can use black pepper instead of white pepper if that's what you have.
Protein: To add some protein to your chowder, you can include cooked chicken, bacon bits, or even tofu cubes. It's an opportunity to make the chowder more substantial and suit your dietary preferences.