Corn Chowder Recipe: Creamy Comfort in Every Spoonful!

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, diced (optional, for a smoky flavour) (approximately 40g)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup) (150g)
• 2 ribs celery, diced (about 1/2 cup) (100g)
• 2 medium carrots, diced (about 1/2 cup) (100g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon) (5g)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian) (950ml)
• 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 cups) (350g)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (2g)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1g)
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (from about 4-5 ears) (500g)
• 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30g)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15g)
• Fresh chives, chopped (optional)
• Crispy bacon crumbles (optional)
• Hot sauce (for a kick!) (optional)