This Dairy Free Crab and Corn Chowder is packed with summer flavors. The perfect combination of two delicious soups: corn chowder and cream of crab! This soup is also gluten free and soy free. Nut free option included!
Heat a large dutch oven or pot over medium heat and add the bacon pieces. Cook them for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until cooked through and crispy. Remove the pieces using a slotted spoon and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
While the bacon is cooking, use a sharp knife to remove the corn kernels from the cobs. Discard the cobs. Set the corn kernels aside in a bowl.
Remove most of the rendered bacon fat from the pot, leaving about 1 tbsp behind. Add in the 1 tbsp ghee or vegan butter and heat the pot over medium heat. Add in the onions, celery, and garlic and cook for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
Add in the diced potatoes, corn, Old Bay seasoning, thyme, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then turn the heat down to medium low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Transfer 1.5 cups of the soup with some corn, potatoes, and veggies to a high speed blender. Add in the cashews and water and blend on high for 1 minute, or until it is very smooth and creamy. Pour the creamy mixture back into the soup pot and stir well.
Add in the crab meat and cook over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until it is warmed through. Serve the chowder with come crumbed bacon and fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
To make this recipe nut free, use 1/2 cup coconut cream (thick part of a can of coconut milk) instead of the cashews and omit the water. So, you would simply blend the 1.5 cups of soup with the 1/2 cup of coconut cream.