Potato and Sausage Chowder

If you’re looking for a cozy and satisfying meal, you’ve found it with this Potato and Sausage Chowder. This recipe is the perfect blend of creamy goodness and hearty flavors, making it a favorite in our household. It’s not just a dish; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings everyone together, whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a laid-back family gathering.

What I love most about this chowder is how simple it is to prepare. With everyday ingredients and minimal fuss, you can whip up this delicious comfort food in no time. Plus, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This chowder comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for those busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: With its creamy texture and savory flavors, everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: You can easily prepare this chowder in advance, saving you time on hectic weeknights.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of sausage and potatoes creates a rich flavor that warms your heart and soul.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Potato and Sausage Chowder uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Let’s gather these goodies so we can get cooking!

For the Chowder

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 400g (6) sausages (any flavour)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 stalks celery (sliced)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 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

Variations

One of the best things about this chowder is its flexibility! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale for added nutrition and color!
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
• Change the grains: Substitute wild rice with quinoa or barley for a different texture.

How to Make Potato and Sausage Chowder

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in your soup pot. Remove the sausage from its casing and add it to the pot. Breaking it up with a spatula helps it cook evenly. Fry until golden brown and cooked through—this step adds so much flavor to your chowder! Once done, set the sausage aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion, sliced celery, and carrots. Cooking these over low heat for about 10 minutes softens them beautifully. Then add in the minced garlic and thyme—this fragrant combo will make your kitchen smell heavenly! Sprinkle flour over the mixture to create a roux; this will thicken your chowder later on.

Step 3: Build Your Broth

Pour in just a bit of chicken stock first, stirring well until combined with the roux. This step is key—it prevents lumps from forming! Now pour in the rest of the stock along with bay leaves and wild rice. Bring everything to a simmer, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together over low to medium heat for about 30 minutes.

Step 4: Add Potatoes & Cream

Now it’s time to introduce those cubed potatoes! Let them cook along with everything else for another 15 minutes until they’re tender. Finally, stir in the cream; this is what makes your chowder irresistibly creamy! Season with salt and pepper to taste before removing from heat. Serve warm topped with fresh parsley for an extra touch.

And there you have it—your very own Potato and Sausage Chowder ready to warm hearts! Enjoy every spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Potato and Sausage Chowder

Making a comforting potato and sausage chowder is a delight, and with these helpful tips, you’ll take your dish to the next level!

• Choose the Right Sausage: Select sausages with good flavor; a blend of herbs and spices will infuse your chowder with depth. Chicken or turkey sausage can be leaner alternatives that still pack a punch.
• Cut Vegetables Evenly: Ensure that your potatoes, carrots, and celery are cut into similar sizes for uniform cooking. This way, every bite will have balanced flavors and textures.
• Simmer Gently: Don’t rush the cooking process! Allowing the chowder to simmer gently helps meld all the flavors beautifully while ensuring the vegetables become tender but not mushy.
• Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter chowder, feel free to substitute part of the cream with unsweetened almond milk or low-fat evaporated milk. This keeps it creamy without being too rich.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adding salt and pepper gradually allows you to customize the seasoning to your liking, ensuring a perfectly balanced dish.

How to Serve Potato and Sausage Chowder

Serving your potato and sausage chowder can be as creative as it is comforting! Here are some delightful ideas to make this dish shine at your table.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a vibrant color contrast and brightens up the rich flavors of the chowder.
• Crusty Bread Crumbs: Toasted bread crumbs on top provide an irresistible crunch that complements the creamy texture of the soup.
• Grated Cheese: A light dusting of shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) can add extra creaminess and flavor when melted into the hot chowder.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into your chowder, garlic bread provides a warm, buttery crunch that enhances every spoonful.
• Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chowder, making for a wholesome meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Choose seasonal veggies like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers tossed in olive oil and herbs. These add a lovely roasted flavor that pairs beautifully with the chowder.
• Cornbread Muffins: Sweet and moist cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up every drop of that delicious chowder while adding sweetness to each bite.

With these serving tips, your potato and sausage chowder will not only be delicious but also beautifully presented! Enjoy sharing this cozy dish with family or friends—it’s sure to warm hearts as well as bellies!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Potato and Sausage Chowder is perfect for meal prep, as it stores beautifully and flavors deepen over time. Making a big batch means you can enjoy this comforting dish throughout the week!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chowder to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Ensure to label your container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Cool the chowder completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as mentioned above.
• You can also use a microwave; heat in short intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.

FAQs

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

Can I use different types of sausage for Potato and Sausage Chowder?

Absolutely! You can experiment with various sausage flavors like chicken, turkey, or even plant-based options. Just adjust cooking times based on the sausage you choose.

What makes this Potato and Sausage Chowder a great meal prep option?

This chowder is not only delicious but also freezes well, allowing you to make a large batch. Its flavors actually improve after a day or two in the fridge.

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

When stored properly, Potato and Sausage Chowder can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator without losing its comforting taste.

Can I add extra vegetables to my Potato and Sausage Chowder?

Definitely! Feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables like spinach, corn, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this cozy Potato and Sausage Chowder! It’s a wonderful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any mealtime. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing with loved ones, I know you’ll love every spoonful. Happy cooking!