Description
Creamy Hawaiian-style corn chowder made with fresh island corn, coconut milk, and savory Spam — tropical comfort in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Base & Aromatics
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1 tbsp butter or avocado oil
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 can Spam, cubed (optional)
Soup Base
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1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
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2 cups vegetable broth or light chicken stock
Main Ingredients
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Kernels from 4 large ears fresh sweet corn
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1 cup diced breadfruit (‘ulu) or Yukon gold potatoes
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½ tsp Hawaiian sea salt
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¼ tsp white pepper
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⅛ tsp ground turmeric
Optional Add-Ins
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1 cup cooked shrimp or flaked smoked fish
Garnish
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Chopped green onions
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Chopped cilantro
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Hawaiian chili pepper water or chili oil
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Fresh lime wedges
Instructions
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Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat butter or oil over medium. Add diced onion, garlic, and Spam (if using). Sauté until onion is translucent and Spam is lightly crisped.
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Deglaze: Add a splash (¼ cup) of coconut milk to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
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Simmer the Base: Pour in the remaining coconut milk and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Add Corn & Breadfruit: Stir in fresh corn kernels and diced breadfruit or potatoes. Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, until vegetables are tender and the chowder thickens slightly.
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Final Flavors: Stir in cooked shrimp or smoked fish if using. Let simmer for another 5–7 minutes.
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Season & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with sea salt, white pepper, and a dash of chili water. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
- Frozen corn can be substituted; char it in a skillet first for added flavor.
- For vegan versions, use smoked tofu and vegetable broth.
- Chowder can be frozen for up to 1 month; coconut milk may separate slightly when reheated.
- Serve with poi, sweet rolls, or sticky rice for a complete island meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup/Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg