Potato and Sausage Chowder

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Swap out the traditional seafood for sausage and sink into a steaming bowl of hot creamy potato and sausage chowder. This comforting dish is perfect for cold days, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. The rich flavors of sausage combined with hearty potatoes create a chowder that warms your soul. Plus, it’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store.
  • Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 65 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table without spending all day cooking.
  • Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of sausage and potatoes creates a rich, savory flavor that is incredibly satisfying.
  • Versatile Dish: This chowder is perfect for lunch or dinner and can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: It’s an ideal dish for family gatherings or parties, as it serves six and is sure to impress your guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best potato and sausage chowder, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Soup pot
  • Spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

  • Soup pot: A good-sized soup pot allows even cooking and prevents splattering while stirring.
  • Spatula: A spatula helps break up the sausage evenly while frying, ensuring it cooks thoroughly.
  • Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.

Ingredients

Swap out the traditional seafood for sausage and sink into a steaming bowl of hot creamy potato chowder.

For the Chowder Base

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 400g (6) sausages (any flavour)
  • 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

For the Hearty Additions

  • 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: Prepare the Sausage

  1. Heat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat.
  2. Remove the sausage from its casing and add it to the pot.
  3. Break up the sausage with a spatula and fry until golden brown on the outside and cooked through.
  4. Remove the cooked sausage to a separate plate. If there’s excess fat, remove it but leave about 2 tablespoons in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

  1. In the same pot, add chopped onion, sliced celery, and carrots.
  2. Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes until softened.
  3. Add minced garlic and thyme; cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle flour over vegetables; mix well until it forms a paste. Cook for an additional couple of minutes before returning the sausage to the pot.

Step 3: Simmer Your Chowder

  1. Pour in a bit of chicken stock while stirring to combine with the roux.
  2. Add remaining stock along with bay leaves and wild rice; bring to a simmer.
  3. Cook over low to medium heat for 30 minutes until wild rice is tender.
  4. Add cubed potatoes; cook for an additional 15 minutes until both wild rice and potatoes are soft.

Step 4: Final Touches

  1. Pour in single cream or half-and-half; stir gently to combine.
  2. Season with salt to taste; allow chowder to warm through before removing from heat.
  3. 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 is all about enhancing the experience. This hearty dish can be paired with various accompaniments to elevate its flavors and presentation.

With Fresh Herbs

  • Parsley: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
  • Chives: Finely chopped chives add a mild onion flavor that complements the chowder.

With Bread

  • Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette for dipping into the chowder.
  • Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor pairs wonderfully with the creamy soup.

With Cheese

  • Grated Cheddar: A sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese adds richness and an extra layer of flavor.
  • Parmesan: Shaved or grated Parmesan can provide a savory kick to each bowl.

With Salad

  • Caesar Salad: The crisp greens and tangy dressing make for a refreshing contrast.
  • Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the hearty chowder nicely.
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How to Perfect Potato and Sausage Chowder

To ensure your Potato and Sausage Chowder is perfect every time, follow these handy tips.

  • Use Quality Sausages: Choose sausages with good seasoning for better flavor in your chowder.
  • Fresh Vegetables: Fresh, high-quality vegetables enhance the taste and texture of the chowder.
  • Adjust Consistency: If the chowder is too thick, add more stock or cream to achieve your desired consistency.
  • Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper levels throughout cooking for best results.
  • Let It Rest: Allowing the chowder to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
  • Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different garnishes like crispy bacon bits or a drizzle of olive oil for added flair.

Best Side Dishes for Potato and Sausage Chowder

Pairing side dishes with your Potato and Sausage Chowder can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

  1. Garlic Toast: Crunchy toast spread with garlic butter is great for dipping into the chowder.
  2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity that balances out the creaminess of the chowder.
  3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring additional flavors and nutrients to your meal.
  4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory notes of the chowder wonderfully.
  5. Baked Potatoes: Serve individual baked potatoes as another comforting option alongside your soup.
  6. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a light, refreshing contrast to the rich chowder.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Potato and Sausage Chowder, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

  • Using the wrong sausage: Not all sausages are created equal. Choose high-quality sausage that complements your chowder’s flavor.
  • Skipping the roux: A roux is essential for thickening your chowder. Don’t rush this step; let it cook until it’s golden for the best texture.
  • Overcooking the potatoes: Potatoes can become mushy if boiled too long. Add them later in the cooking process to maintain their integrity.
  • Not seasoning adequately: Taste as you go! Under-seasoning can lead to a bland chowder. Adjust salt and pepper throughout cooking.
  • Forgetting about the cream: Adding cream too early can cause it to curdle. Always add it at the end and let it warm gently.
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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store your chowder in an airtight container.
  • It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Potato and Sausage Chowder

  • Allow the chowder to cool completely before freezing.
  • Store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Reheating Potato and Sausage Chowder

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chowder in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
  • Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
  • Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring often until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I customize my Potato and Sausage Chowder?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like corn or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds hold up well in chowders, adding creaminess without falling apart.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Swap the cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative, adjusting taste as necessary.

Can I use different types of sausage?

Absolutely! Try chicken sausage, spicy sausage, or even plant-based options depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts

Potato and Sausage Chowder is not just comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly day or serve it at a gathering, this chowder is sure to please everyone at the table.

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Potato and Sausage Chowder

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Indulge in the comforting warmth of Potato and Sausage Chowder, a delightful twist on traditional chowder that substitutes seafood with savory sausage. This creamy dish combines hearty potatoes and flavorful sausage, creating a bowl of pure satisfaction perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can whip up this nourishing chowder in just over an hour. Whether enjoyed as a cozy meal at home or served to impress guests, this chowder is sure to become a favorite.

  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: Serves six
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 400g sausages (any flavor)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 3 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 375ml single cream or half-and-half
  • 1 litre chicken or vegetable stock
  • 100g wild rice
  • Salt and dried thyme to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Remove sausage from casings and break it up in the pot. Cook until browned, then set aside.
  2. In the same pot, sauté onion, celery, and carrots until softened. Stir in garlic and thyme for a minute before adding flour to form a roux.
  3. Gradually mix in chicken stock along with bay leaves and wild rice; bring to a simmer for about 30 minutes.
  4. Add cubed potatoes and continue cooking until tender. Stir in cream, season with salt, and serve hot.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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