Potato and Sausage Chowder

Potato and Sausage Chowder is a comforting dish perfect for chilly days. This creamy chowder blends hearty potatoes with flavorful sausage, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or cozy gatherings. It’s not just delicious but also easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying meal without much fuss. Dive into this bowl of goodness and discover why it’s a favorite for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Heartwarming Flavor: The combination of savory sausage and creamy potatoes creates a rich, satisfying taste that warms the soul.
• Simple Preparation: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use your favorite type of sausage and mix in additional vegetables for a personal touch.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This chowder stores well in the fridge, making it a great option for leftovers or meal prep.
• Comfort Food Classic: A bowl of chowder is the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone together.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essentials you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chopping board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Essential for cooking the chowder evenly without splattering.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Chopping board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
• Sharp knife: Ensures quick and easy chopping, making prep time shorter.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Potato and Sausage Chowder, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chowder

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 400g (6) sausages (any flavor)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 stalks celery (sliced)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 3 tbsp plain/all-purpose flour
• 1 litre/4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 100g/1/2 cup wild rice
• 3 potatoes (medium, peeled and cut into chunks)
• 375ml/1 1/2 cups single/light cream or half-and-half
• Salt to taste

How to Make Potato and Sausage Chowder

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing, add it to the pot, and break it up with a spatula. Cook until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the sausage to a separate plate. If your sausage is fatty, feel free to remove excess fat but leave about 2 tablespoons in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, sliced celery, and carrots. Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes until softened. Then, add minced garlic and thyme; cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir until it forms a paste. Cook this roux for another couple of minutes before reintroducing the cooked sausage.

Step 3: Add Stock and Rice

Pour in a small amount of chicken stock while stirring to combine with the roux. Gradually add the rest of the stock along with bay leaves and wild rice. Bring everything to a simmer, then reduce heat to low to medium. Let it cook for about 30 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Potatoes

After 30 minutes, add in the cubed potatoes. Cook together for another 15 minutes until both wild rice and potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Finish with Cream

Stir in the cream gently while seasoning with salt to taste. Allow it to warm through before taking off heat. Serve hot garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Potato and Sausage Chowder!

How to Serve Potato and Sausage Chowder

Serving Potato and Sausage Chowder can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this creamy dish.

Enjoy it with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
• Chives: Sprinkle chopped chives on top for a mild onion taste that complements the chowder.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread: Serve the chowder alongside warm sourdough for dipping. Its tangy flavor enhances the richness.
• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread makes for an excellent side, adding crunch and aromatic notes.

Add a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens: A simple mixed green salad drizzled with vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast to the creamy chowder.
• Caesar Salad: The flavors of a Caesar salad blend well with the rich texture of the chowder, making for a satisfying meal.

Make it a Full Meal

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Serve with a gooey grilled cheese for a comforting pairing that warms you up even more.
• Stuffed Peppers: For something different, baked stuffed peppers can add variety and nutrition to your meal.

How to Perfect Potato and Sausage Chowder

Perfecting Potato and Sausage Chowder takes practice, but these tips can help you achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

• Use Quality Sausages: Choose fresh sausages that you enjoy eating. The flavor of the sausage greatly impacts the overall taste of the chowder.
• Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: Allow enough time for the vegetables to soften and develop their flavors; this makes a big difference in taste.
• Adjust Seasonings Gradually: Taste as you cook and adjust salt and pepper gradually to prevent over-seasoning.
• Experiment with Cream Alternatives: For lighter options, consider using half-and-half or plant-based cream alternatives that still provide creaminess without being too heavy.

Best Side Dishes for Potato and Sausage Chowder

Pairing your Potato and Sausage Chowder with side dishes enhances its enjoyment. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Knots: Warm garlic knots add a delightful twist, perfect for soaking up every bit of chowder.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables can add vibrant colors and nutrients to your meal.
3. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory flavors of the chowder beautifully, offering a Southern touch.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of the chowder.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs create an enjoyable contrast in texture while keeping things potato-themed!
6. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables makes for an exciting appetizer before diving into the chowder.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Potato and Sausage Chowder, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance the flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using low-quality sausages – Always choose high-quality sausages for the best flavor. Avoid overly processed options that may lack taste.
• Neglecting to season properly – Don’t forget to taste as you go! Proper seasoning with salt and pepper enhances the overall dish significantly.
• Skipping the roux step – This step is crucial for a creamy texture. Make sure to mix the flour into the fat thoroughly before adding liquids.
• Overcooking vegetables – Cook your onions, celery, and carrots just until they soften. Overcooking can lead to mushy vegetables that detract from the chowder’s appeal.
• Adding cream too early – Adding cream prematurely can cause it to curdle. Always wait until the chowder is off the heat before incorporating it.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chowder in an airtight container.
• It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Potato and Sausage Chowder

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The chowder can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Potato and Sausage Chowder

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Potato and Sausage Chowder:

Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, feel free to experiment with chicken, turkey, or beef sausages for varied flavors in your Potato and Sausage Chowder.

How do I make this chowder vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like corn or green beans for extra color and nutrition.

How long does Potato and Sausage Chowder last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, your chowder will last about 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze Potato and Sausage Chowder?

Yes, you can freeze it! Just remember to store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

This Potato and Sausage Chowder is a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture combined with hearty sausages makes it a fulfilling meal that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Potato and Chicken Sausage Chowder

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in a comforting bowl of Potato and Sausage Chowder, a heartwarming dish perfect for chilly days. This creamy chowder melds tender potatoes with savory sausage, creating a rich flavor that warms the soul. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. With a few fresh ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this satisfying meal that caters to everyone’s taste. Dive into this delightful recipe and discover why it’s a beloved comfort food for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 400g chicken or turkey sausages (any flavor)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 stalks celery (sliced)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 3 tbsp plain flour
• 1 litre chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 100g wild rice
• 3 medium potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
• 375ml plant-based cream or half-and-half
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Remove sausage from casings and cook until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
2. In the same pot, sauté onion, celery, and carrots over low heat for about 10 minutes until softened. Add garlic and thyme; cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring until combined. Gradually add chicken stock while stirring, then add bay leaves and wild rice. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes.
4. Add cubed potatoes and cook for another 15 minutes until tender.
5. Stir in cream gently, seasoning with salt to taste before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 45mg