The Creamy Corn Chowder with Coconut Bacon is a delightful fusion of traditional comfort food with a vegan twist. Imagine a velvety chowder base enriched with the natural sweetness of corn and the creamy texture of coconut milk, topped with crispy, smoky coconut bacon for an irresistible crunch.
To make the coconut bacon, toss the coconut flakes with soy sauce, liquid smoke, and maple syrup in a bowl. Spread the seasoned coconut flakes evenly on a baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the coconut is crispy and golden brown. Set aside to cool.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the diced potatoes to the pot and sauté for another 3-4 minutes.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Add the corn kernels, coconut milk, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to the pot. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
Using an immersion blender, blend the chowder until creamy. Alternatively, transfer half of the chowder to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.
Ladle the creamy corn chowder into bowls and top with crispy coconut bacon.