Corn Chowder - Vegan and Non-Vegan Versions

Has it been a week since we went "vegan", yet?  I think so.  Well, in that week, 3 have succumbed to meat.  I am the only one left.  We have all succumbed to dairy when I saw Ben and Jerry's was on sale.   While I haven't missed dairy per say, I couldn't pass up Ben and Jerry's.  My family has not been happy with the meals I have been putting on the table this past week.  I have made a huge variety of meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner and only one or two have been a hit.  They are not very happy supportive campers.   I, myself could continue this way of life but it would be a lot easier for me if I lived by myself.  Please don't be disappointed in me if you come across a blog post in the near future that includes meat.  My family is looking at me like I'm a turkey leg and I am scared for my life!  If you notice I haven't posted in a while please come check on me.  They are turning into cannibals!  Oh gosh, I hope they aren't reading this....

This is a veganized version of the Corn Chowder.  I make this Corn Chowder every fall.  It's my families absolute favorite.  It wasn't the same this year as I veganized it but it was still very good and better yet, it was super healthy and lower in fat using this version.

Corn Chowder - Vegan and Non-Vegan Versions
Yield: 8 - 10 servings

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Ingredients for Corn Chowder:

• Tempeh sausage crumbles - recipe follow or 1 lb. pork sausage
• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into bite size pieces
• 2 cups water - see note
• 1 t. marjoran
• 2 (15-ounce) cans corn, drained
• 2 (15-ounce) cans cream corn
• 12 oz. soy milk or 12 oz. evaporated milk

Ingredients for Tempeh Sausage Crumbles

• 1 (8-ounce) package tempeh
• 1 T. fennel seed
• 1 t. dried basil
• 1 t. dried marjoram or oregano
• 1/2 t. red pepper flakes
• 1/2 t. dried sage
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 T. tamari, or soy sauce
• 1 T. olive oil
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions for Corn Chowder:

1. In a large stock pot, prepare tempeh sausage (directions below) or cook pork sausage and drain. Return sausage to pot, add potatoes, marjoram, and 2 cups water (or enough to cover the potatoes). Bring to a boil and turn down to simmer for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are done. Add the corn and milk and heat through. Serve immediately.

Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens 

Instructions for Tempeh Sausage:

1. In a small pan, crumble the tempeh and add enough water to almost cover it. Over medium-high heat, simmer the tempeh ntil most of the water is absorbed, about 12 - 15 minutes. Drain the remaining water and add the rest of the ingredients and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.

Adapted from Vegan with a Vengance

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Non-Vegan Version

Servings: 1 bowl

Calories:  494

Total Fat:  26.1 g

Cholesterol:  80 mg.

Sodium:  699 mg.

Protein:  22.5 g.

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Vegan Version

Servings: 1 bowl

Calories:  338

Total Fat:  9.5 g

Cholesterol:  0 mg.

Sodium:  109 mg.

Protein:  19.9 g.

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