Potato and Sausage Chowder is the ultimate Comfort Food that warms your heart and fills your belly. This creamy soup features savory sausage, tender potatoes, and wild rice, making it perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends. The delightful blend of flavors creates a dish that is both satisfying and delicious, ensuring it stands out on any table. Whether it’s a chilly winter night or a casual weekend dinner, this chowder will surely be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: This chowder packs a punch with its rich ingredients, providing a satisfying meal for everyone.
- Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can easily whip up this comforting soup without spending all day in the kitchen.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the recipe by using your favorite sausages or adding seasonal vegetables for extra flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Kid-Friendly Flavor: The creamy texture and mild taste make it appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious comfort food, you’ll need some essential tools to help you along the way.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Spatula
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: A spacious pot allows you to cook all ingredients evenly without crowding, ensuring even flavors.
- Spatula: This tool helps in breaking up the sausage while cooking and mixing ingredients seamlessly.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 400g (6) 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/all-purpose flour
- 750ml (3 cups) chicken or vegetable stock
Additional Ingredients
- 2 bay leaves
- 100g (1/2 cup) wild rice
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 375ml (1 1/2 cups) single/light cream or half and half
- Salt to taste
How to Make Comfort Food
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot. Remove the sausage from its casing, add it to the pot, and break it up with a spatula. Cook until golden and fully cooked through, then remove to a separate plate. If the sausage is very fatty, remove excess fat but leave about 2 tbsp in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
To the same pot, add the chopped onion, celery, and sliced carrots. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and thyme. Cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Mix until it forms a paste while cooking for a few more minutes.
Step 4: Combine with Stock
Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Gradually pour in a bit of chicken stock while stirring until well combined with the roux. Add in the remaining stock along with bay leaves and wild rice. Bring everything to a simmer then cook over low to medium heat for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Add Potatoes
Add cubed potatoes to the mixture and cook for another 15 minutes or until both wild rice and potatoes are tender.
Step 6: Finish with Cream
Pour in the cream and season with salt and pepper. Warm through gently before removing from heat.
Step 7: Serve
Serve garnished with chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor!
How to Serve Comfort Food
Serving comfort food like Potato and Sausage Chowder is about creating a warm and inviting experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this hearty dish that will make your meal even more enjoyable.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette – Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette on the side for dipping.
- Garlic Bread – Pair with buttery garlic bread for an extra indulgent treat.
Garnished with Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Thyme Sprigs – Add a sprig of thyme to enhance the aromatic flavors of the chowder.
Accompanied by a Salad
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad complements the creamy chowder perfectly.
- Mixed Greens Salad – A light mixed greens salad provides a refreshing contrast.
With Toppings
- Cheese Crumbles – Top with crumbled cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for added flavor.
- Crispy Bacon Bits – Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for a savory crunch.
How to Perfect Comfort Food
To elevate your comfort food experience, consider these simple tips. They will enhance flavors and make your chowder even more satisfying.
- Use Quality Ingredients – Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality sausages to improve taste.
- Adjust Seasonings – Taste and adjust salt and pepper levels for the perfect seasoning balance.
- Add Fresh Cream Last – Pour in cream at the end to maintain its rich texture and flavor.
- Let It Sit Before Serving – Allowing the chowder to sit for a few minutes helps develop flavors.
- Experiment with Spices – Consider adding spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for an extra kick.
Best Side Dishes for Comfort Food
Pairing side dishes with comforting meals can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some great options that go well with your Potato and Sausage Chowder.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic complement the soup’s heartiness.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful twist to your meal.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and balances the richness of the chowder.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition alongside your dish.
- Macaroni Salad – A creamy macaroni salad offers a comforting, nostalgic side.
- Pickles or Relish – Tangy pickles provide a sharp contrast that brightens up each bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a hearty Potato and Sausage Chowder can be simple, but some common mistakes may compromise its flavor and texture.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Sauté them just until they soften, then add other ingredients.
- Using low-quality sausage: The sausage is a star ingredient. Choose a flavorful brand or variety to enhance the soup’s taste.
- Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season properly can lead to bland chowder. Adjust salt and pepper at the end of cooking for best results.
- Skipping the roux: Not making a roux might result in a thinner soup. Always cook flour with the vegetables to thicken the chowder effectively.
- Adding cream too early: Adding cream too soon can cause it to curdle. Always stir it in at the end when the soup is off heat.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It lasts for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Comfort Food
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- The chowder can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Comfort Food
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Transfer chowder to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low in a pot. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this comforting recipe that may help you prepare your chowder perfectly!
How can I make this chowder vegetarian?
You can replace sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for added flavor. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
What are good side dishes for Comfort Food?
Pair this chowder with crusty bread, salad, or even cheesy garlic bread for a full meal experience.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon gold or red potatoes work well if you want a different texture or flavor profile in your Comfort Food chowder.
How do I know when my chowder is done cooking?
The chowder is done when both the wild rice and potatoes are tender, typically after about 45 minutes of simmering.
Final Thoughts
This Potato and Sausage Chowder embodies true Comfort Food, bringing warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Its creamy texture combined with savory sausage makes it perfect for cozy dinners. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices to create your own version of this delightful recipe!
Potato and Sausage Chowder
Potato and Sausage Chowder is the quintessential comfort food that will warm your soul and fill your belly. This creamy delight features savory sausage, tender potatoes, and hearty wild rice, creating a rich and satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings. With its delightful blend of flavors and textures, this chowder stands out on any table. Plus, it’s easy to prepare in just 15 minutes of prep time! Perfect for families or a cozy dinner with friends, you can customize this dish with your favorite sausages or seasonal vegetables. Enjoy this comforting soup that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Sausages (400g)
- Chopped onion
- Sliced celery
- Sliced carrots
- Minced garlic
- Dried thyme
- Plain flour (3 tbsp)
- Chicken or vegetable stock (750ml)
- Bay leaves (2)
- Wild rice (100g)
- Cubed potatoes (3 medium)
- Single/light cream (375ml)
- Salt
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Remove sausage from casings and cook until browned. Set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, celery, and carrots for 10 minutes. Add garlic and thyme; cook for another 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and mix to form a roux; cook for a few more minutes.
- Gradually add chicken stock while stirring until combined with the roux. Add back the sausage, bay leaves, and wild rice; simmer for 30 minutes.
- Stir in cubed potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 minutes more.
- Mix in cream and season with salt before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
