Foodie Fridays: Creamy Coconut Chicken Corn Chowder

February has been a really cold month here in New Mexico, so I have been making a lot of soups lately.  I was looking for a soup recipe that used corn, chicken, and coconut milk since I had those ingredients available, and found one for Coconut Chicken Corn Chowder.  I changed a few of the ingredients and some of the directions as well to make preparation easier, and ended up with a delicious creamy soup that is perfect for serving with a sandwich for lunch or dinner.  Once again I added the spicy pecan vinegar which is my current obsession, but you could leave it out or substitute your own favorite flavored vinegar.

Next week we are supposed to have much warmer temperatures so I am not sure how much longer I will be craving soup, but right now this recipe really hits the spot when it comes to warming comfort foods!

Creamy Coconut Chicken Corn Chowder

2 T. olive oil
1 C. finely diced celery (about 4 stalks)
1 small onion, finely diced
1 sweet potato, peeled and finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 C. frozen corn kernels
1/2 tsp. sea salt, divided
1 can (15 oz.) cut baby corn, including liquid (optional)
4 C. chicken stock (I used unsalted)
1 can (12.5 oz) chicken breast (or use one cooked, diced chicken breast)
1 can (14 oz.) coconut milk (I used low fat)
1 tsp. dried basil
3 T. spicy pecan vinegar

In a large saucepan, heat the oil on medium.  Cook the celery, onion, and sweet potato in the oil, stirring often, until celery and onions are translucent, about 10 minutes.  Add the garlic, corn, and ¼ tsp salt and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.  Stir in the baby corn liquid if using plus the chicken stock and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes.

Stir in the cut baby corn if using and the canned chicken, breaking up the larger chicken chunks.  Add the coconut milk and basil and cook until heated through.  Stir in the vinegar.  Remove from the heat and, using an immersion blender, blend until creamy but still slightly chunky.  Serves 6.