Begin by heating the butter (or olive oil) in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
In your slow cooker, combine the diced potatoes, frozen corn, sautéed onion and garlic, vegetable broth, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to mix everything well.
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Once cooked, use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes in the chowder to create a creamier consistency while leaving some chunks for texture.
Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) until well incorporated, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook for another 15-20 minutes on low to heat through.
Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped chives or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Ladle the chowder into vibrant bowls and sprinkle with fresh herbs; serve with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Notes
For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.