Hearty Potato and Sausage Chowder

A Comforting, Creamy Soup for Every Season

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival the rich, hearty satisfaction of a Potato and Sausage Chowder. This creamy soup combines tender chunks of potato, savory sausage, and wild rice in a velvety, herb-infused broth that warms you from the inside out.

Perfect for cold winter nights or rainy afternoons, this chowder is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a cozy weekend meal, it’s guaranteed to please. The best part? It’s easy to make with simple ingredients, and you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Filling: Packed with potatoes, sausage, and rice, it’s a complete meal in a bowl.
2. Easy to Customize: Swap in bacon, sweet potatoes, or plant-based cream to make it your own.
3. Quick Comfort Food: Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chowder Base:

• Sausage (400g): Any flavor works, from spicy Italian to classic breakfast sausage.
• Potatoes (3 medium): Peeled and cut into chunks for hearty texture.
• Wild Rice (1/2 cup): Adds a nutty, chewy contrast to the creamy soup.

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• Onion (1): Finely chopped for sweetness.
• Celery (2 stalks): Adds a fresh, aromatic crunch.
• Carrots (2): Sliced for color and natural sweetness.
• Garlic (2 cloves): For a robust, aromatic base.
• Thyme (1/2 tsp): Dried thyme for earthy, warming flavor.
• Bay Leaves (2): Infuse the broth with depth.

For the Creamy Broth:

• Chicken or Vegetable Stock (4 cups): The flavorful base of the soup.
• Flour (3 tbsp): Thickens the chowder to a silky consistency.
• Light Cream (1½ cups): Creates the luscious, velvety finish.

Seasonings and Garnish:

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sausage:
Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing, crumble it into the pot, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate, leaving 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the pot. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add garlic and thyme, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Make the Roux:
Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, creating a paste-like texture. Gradually pour in a small amount of chicken stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

4. Build the Broth:
Add the remaining stock, bay leaves, wild rice, and cooked sausage back into the pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat and cook for 30 minutes.

5. Add the Potatoes:
Stir in the cubed potatoes and cook for an additional 15 minutes, until the rice and potatoes are tender.

6. Finish with Cream:
Pour in the light cream and stir until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and allow the chowder to warm through, about 2 minutes.

7. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.

Tips for Perfect Potato and Sausage Chowder

1. Choose the Right Sausage: Use your favorite variety—spicy for a kick, or herbed for a milder flavor.
2. Thicken with Cornstarch: For a gluten-free option, substitute flour with cornstarch.
3. Add Smoky Flavor: Swap sausage for bacon to bring a smoky depth to the chowder.
4. Customize the Veggies: Sweet potatoes, leeks, or even corn make great additions.

Serving Suggestions

• With Bread: Serve alongside warm crusty bread or garlic butter rolls for dunking.
• As a Meal: Pair with a crisp side salad for a well-rounded lunch or dinner.
• For Extra Comfort: Top with shredded cheese or crumbled bacon.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: This chowder freezes well for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of stock or cream if the chowder has thickened.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

This Potato and Sausage Chowder brings all the comforts of a classic chowder but with the robust flavor of sausage. Creamy, hearty, and loaded with vegetables, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking for a cozy recipe, this chowder is sure to hit the spot.