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I've been making this Potato and Sausage Chowder for years and it never fails to bring warmth to our table. The way those creamy potatoes blend with savory sausage creates pure comfort in a bowl. Every time I make it the kitchen fills with amazing aromas that draw everyone in.
Why We Love This One
Trading seafood for sausage makes this chowder something special. The creamy potato base hugs those tasty sausage bits creating the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up by the fire. It's become our favorite cold weather friend.
What You'll Need
- Potatoes: Two pounds peeled and diced. I mix Russets for creaminess with firmer ones for texture.
- Sausage: One pound sliced use any kind you love.
- Onion: One big one diced small.
- Garlic: Three cloves minced fresh is best.
- Butter: Two tablespoons for that rich start.
- Flour: Two tablespoons to thicken things up.
- Chicken Broth: Four cups makes our base.
- Milk or Cream: Two cups for silky richness.
- Wild Rice: Half cup optional but lovely.
- Seasonings: Salt pepper maybe some paprika or thyme.
Let's Cook Together
- Start With Sausage
- Brown your sliced sausage in a big pot save those tasty drippings.
- Build Flavor
- Add butter then cook onions and garlic until they're soft and sweet.
- Make It Creamy
- Sprinkle in flour whisk in broth until smooth let it bubble gently.
- Add The Stars
- In go potatoes and sausage simmer until tender about 20 minutes.
- Finish With Love
- Pour in your milk or cream warm it through gently.
- Season and Serve
- Add salt pepper maybe some paprika or thyme. Serve hot with crusty bread.
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My Best Tips
Mix up your potatoes for the best texture Russets get creamy while waxy ones keep their shape. Need it gluten free? Corn flour works beautifully. Play with different sausages each brings its own magic to the pot.
Keeping It Fresh
Fresh is best with this one potatoes can get a bit grainy in the freezer. Keep leftovers in the fridge up to three days. Warm it gently on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave stirring often.
Switch Things Up
Try sweet potatoes they cook faster and add lovely flavor. Sometimes I use bacon instead of sausage or toss in wild rice for extra texture. Plant based cream works great if you're watching dairy.
Perfect Pairings
Nothing beats dunking crusty bread in this chowder. Sometimes I serve warm rolls on the side or a crisp green salad to balance things out. A glass of white wine makes it feel extra special.
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Why Sausage Works
Sausage makes this chowder something everyone loves. It's easier than seafood and brings such wonderful flavor. Whether you pick smoked or spicy each kind makes the chowder its own.
Old Meets New
This might not be your grandmother's chowder but it keeps all that comfort while bringing something new to the table. It's like a warm hug in a bowl just what we need some days.
No Meat No Problem
Skip the sausage add smoked paprika mushrooms corn or leeks. The creamy base works beautifully with just veggies making everyone at the table happy.
Extra Special Touches
A splash of white wine while cooking or a spoonful of Dijon mustard takes everything up a notch. These little extras aren't obvious but make such a difference in the final bowl.
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Make Life Easy
I love making this on weekends then having quick meals ready all week. Just warm it up gently and dinner's ready faster than takeout. Perfect for those busy days.
On The Side
Warm cornbread garlic toast or flaky biscuits make perfect partners. For lighter meals I serve a simple salad or roasted veggies alongside.
That Smoky Touch
Using smoked sausage or a few drops of liquid smoke adds such depth. It brings that cozy winter feeling without overpowering the other flavors.
Wild Rice Magic
Wild rice brings such lovely texture and nutty flavor. Those dark grains look beautiful against the creamy soup making every bowl picture perfect.
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Kid Friendly Fun
Use mild sausage for little ones skip the strong spices. Let them add their own toppings like cheese croutons or bacon bits they love making their bowls special.
Feeding a Crowd
This recipe doubles easily just grab a bigger pot. It's perfect for family gatherings or when you want leftovers for the week ahead.
Fresh Herb Love
Fresh thyme rosemary or a bay leaf while cooking adds such wonderful flavor. They complement both the creamy potatoes and savory sausage perfectly.
Winter's Best Friend
There's something about this chowder that makes winter better. Maybe it's the warmth the comfort or just knowing a satisfying meal is ready whenever you need it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different types of rice?
- Yes, brown rice or pearl barley work well as alternatives to wild rice. They'll still add nice texture but are more budget-friendly.
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
- Replace the all-purpose flour with corn flour (cornstarch) to thicken the soup and make it gluten-free.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
- Yes, you can substitute the dairy cream with plant-based alternatives like soya cream for a dairy-free version.
- → Can I use bacon instead of sausage?
- Yes, bacon makes a great substitute and adds a nice smoky flavor to the chowder.
- → Can I use sweet potatoes?
- Sweet potatoes work well and cook faster than regular potatoes. They're a great alternative if you prefer their flavor.