Warm Up with This Amazing Potato and Sausage Chowder Recipe

When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving something warm, hearty, and comforting, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Potato and Sausage Chowder. This creamy, savory soup is the perfect antidote to the cold, with tender potatoes, flavorful Italian sausage, and a rich, velvety broth that will leave you feeling cozy and satisfied.

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The Comfort of Chowder

Chowder has long been a beloved comfort food, tracing its roots back to the coastal regions of New England. These thick, chunky soups were originally a way for fishermen and coastal communities to utilize their daily catch and seasonal vegetables. Over time, chowders have evolved to include a wide variety of ingredients, from seafood to poultry to hearty meats like sausage.

What sets Potato and Sausage Chowder apart is the perfect balance of rich, creamy broth and satisfying chunks of potato and sausage in every bite. The sausage adds a savory, spicy kick that complements the mild, starchy potatoes, creating a flavor profile that is both comforting and crave-worthy.

Ingredients Breakdown

The key to a truly exceptional Potato and Sausage Chowder lies in the quality of the ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at the star players in this recipe:

• Casing-free Italian Sausage: Whether you opt for sweet or hot Italian sausage, the important thing is to remove the casings before cooking. This allows the sausage to crumble and disperse its flavor throughout the chowder.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic vegetables form the flavor foundation of the chowder, adding depth and complexity to the broth.
• Carrots and Celery: Also known as the “holy trinity” of soup and stew, these veggies contribute texture, color, and subtle sweetness to the dish.
• Russet Potatoes: Starchy, creamy, and perfectly suited for chowder, russet potatoes become tender and absorb the flavors of the broth.
• Chicken Broth: The liquid base of the chowder, using a low-sodium broth allows you to control the seasoning.
• Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: These dairy products give the chowder its signature rich and velvety texture.
• All-Purpose Flour and Butter: The roux created by cooking these two ingredients together thickens the chowder to the perfect consistency.
• Dried Thyme and Bay Leaf: These aromatic herbs infuse the chowder with earthy, savory notes.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that allow the other flavors to shine.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, herbaceous garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

Using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find will make all the difference in the depth of flavor and texture of your Potato and Sausage Chowder.

Cooking Equipment Needed

To prepare this comforting chowder, you’ll need a few essential pieces of equipment:

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is ideal for simmering the chowder and preventing scorching.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A sturdy utensil is necessary for stirring the chowder and scraping the bottom of the pot.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
• Chopping Board and Sharp Knife: For efficiently prepping the vegetables.

While these are the basic necessities, you may also find a few optional tools helpful, such as a potato masher for lightly mashing some of the potatoes to thicken the chowder, or an immersion blender for pureeing a portion of the soup for an even creamier texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to bring the comforting flavors of Potato and Sausage Chowder to life? Follow these easy-to-follow steps:

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Add Liquids and Potatoes: Slowly whisk the chicken broth into the pot, then add the cubed potatoes, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Stir in the Cream: Add the heavy cream and whole milk to the pot, stirring well to incorporate. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chowder has thickened to your desired consistency.
6. Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, then season the chowder with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the piping hot Potato and Sausage Chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Variations and Additions

While the classic combination of potato and sausage is hard to beat, there are a few ways you can customize your Potato and Sausage Chowder to suit your tastes:

• Sausage Substitutions: Try using spicy Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or even kielbasa for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meatless version.
• Additional Ingredients: Consider adding diced bell peppers, corn, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with dried oregano, rosemary, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to enhance the seasonings.

Serving Suggestions

No Potato and Sausage Chowder is complete without the perfect accompaniments. Here are some tasty serving suggestions:

• Crusty Bread: A hunk of warm, crusty bread is the perfect vessel for soaking up every last drop of that creamy, flavorful broth.
• Crackers or Oyster Crackers: For a classic chowder experience, serve the soup with a side of crispy crackers.
• Salad: A fresh green salad or a simple coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chowder.

This Potato and Sausage Chowder is the perfect dish to serve on a chilly day, whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or gathering with friends. The comforting flavors and satisfying texture will warm you from the inside out.

Nutritional Information

In addition to being incredibly delicious, Potato and Sausage Chowder also offers some nutritional benefits. Potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, while the sausage provides protein and savory flavor. The dairy ingredients contribute calcium and vitamins A and D.

To make this chowder even healthier, you can use low-fat or non-fat dairy products, opt for a leaner sausage variety, and increase the proportion of vegetables to potatoes. Additionally, serving the chowder with a side salad or a slice of whole-grain bread can help balance the meal and provide a more well-rounded nutritional profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sausage good in potato soup?

Absolutely! The savory, spicy flavor of Italian sausage pairs beautifully with the creamy, comforting texture of potato soup. The sausage adds a delicious heartiness and depth of flavor that takes potato soup to the next level.

What is the difference between potato soup and potato chowder?

The main difference between potato soup and potato chowder lies in their texture and consistency. Potato soup is typically thinner and more broth-based, while potato chowder is thicker and more stew-like, with a creamy, velvety texture. Chowders also often contain other ingredients like vegetables, dairy, and sometimes seafood or meat, like the sausage in this Potato and Sausage Chowder recipe.

What is the Irish dish with potatoes and sausage?

A classic Irish dish that combines potatoes and sausage is called “Colcannon.” It’s a traditional Irish side dish made by mashing potatoes with kale or cabbage, and then mixing in cooked, crumbled Irish sausage or bacon.

What makes a chowder a chowder and not a soup?

The key difference between a chowder and a soup is the thicker, more substantial texture of a chowder. Chowders are typically made with a cream or milk-based broth, which is then thickened with a roux or the natural starch from ingredients like potatoes. This results in a hearty, chunky, and creamy consistency that distinguishes chowders from thinner, broth-based soups.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Kielbasa and Broccoli Skillet
• One-Pan Honey Garlic Kielbasa
• Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans
• One-Pan Kielbasa and Potatoes

Embrace the cozy comfort of Potato and Sausage Chowder and enjoy a bowl of this hearty, satisfying soup on a chilly day. Let me know if you have any other questions – I’m always happy to help!

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