Potato chowder soup is a hearty, creamy dish made with tender potatoes, vegetables, and broth, often served as a comforting meal on colder days. This rich soup is thickened with flour and finished with cream, creating a velvety texture. It is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and optional herbs, giving it a warm, savory flavor that satisfies the soul.
Potato chowder soup takes about 45 minutes to prepare. The cooking time ensures the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together perfectly. Once everything is simmered and thickened, the soup is ready to be served hot, making it ideal for a quick and satisfying meal any time of the day.
Potato chowder soup has always been a go-to recipe when looking for a filling yet simple meal. The combination of potatoes and vegetables creates a hearty base, while the creamy finish adds a luxurious touch. The optional cheese and parsley garnish elevate the dish, making it both comforting and flavorful. It’s the kind of meal that brings warmth to the table on a chilly evening.
Why You’ll Love It Potato Chowder Soup
- Comforting and Creamy Texture: Potato chowder soup has a rich, velvety texture that makes every spoonful feel like a warm hug. The creamy base with tender potatoes is a comforting meal perfect for chilly days.
- Simple Ingredients and Quick to Make: This soup uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have at home. It’s quick to make, saving you time without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile and Customizable: Potato chowder soup is versatile and can be easily customized to fit your taste. Add extra vegetables or your favorite spices to make it truly your own.
Ingredient Notes for Potato Chowder Soup
When making a delicious potato chowder soup, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s a quick look at each one:
- Potatoes: The base of the soup. Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamy, hearty texture. They break down easily when cooked, giving the chowder a thick consistency.
- Onion: Adds a savory depth to the soup. A medium onion, chopped, will bring sweetness and flavor once sautéed, blending well with the potatoes.
- Carrots: These bring a mild sweetness and vibrant color to the chowder. They balance the savory ingredients and provide a slight crunch.
- Celery Stalks: Celery adds a fresh, slightly peppery crunch that complements the softness of the potatoes and carrots. It also contributes to the overall flavor profile.
- Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: The liquid base of the chowder. Chicken broth gives a rich, savory flavor, while vegetable broth offers a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option. Both help bring the soup to the desired consistency.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the soup. It helps make the chowder creamy, creating a velvety texture that ties all the ingredients together.
- Butter: Used for sautéing the vegetables, butter adds a rich, smooth flavor to the chowder. It enhances the overall creaminess of the soup when combined with heavy cream.
- Garlic (minced): Garlic adds a fragrant, slightly sharp flavor that complements the savory ingredients and enhances the overall taste of the chowder.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Salt enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables, while black pepper adds a subtle heat and complexity to the soup.
Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch
Making a potato chowder soup can be an enjoyable experience. Start by choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh potatoes and vegetables will create a rich, flavorful base. Remember, the key to any great soup is balance, so don’t hesitate to experiment with spices and herbs to enhance the flavor.
For a smoother texture, blend part of the potato chowder soup after cooking. This helps thicken the soup without losing its chunky appeal. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a bit of heavy cream or milk. Adjust the consistency to your liking.
Add your personal touch by incorporating different vegetables. Carrots, leeks, or even corn can add a unique twist to your potato chowder soup. For extra depth, consider adding a small amount of garlic or smoked paprika. Customizing the flavors will make it truly your own.
Potato Chowder Soup Variation
There are many variations of Potato Chowder Soup to suit different tastes. To add richness, try using half-and-half instead of milk. For a smoky flavor, toss in some cooked bacon or ham. For extra veggies, add carrots, leeks, or even corn. You can also top the soup with shredded cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added color and flavor.
How to Serve Potato Chowder Soup
Potato Chowder Soup is best served hot with a slice of crusty bread or crackers on the side. You can garnish the soup with fresh herbs, crispy bacon, or shredded cheese for added texture and flavor. It’s a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
For a more filling meal, serve it with a light salad or some grilled chicken. This makes for a well-rounded, satisfying lunch or dinner. Pairing the soup with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade complements the rich, creamy taste of the chowder.
Storage Options
Leftover Potato Chowder Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of extra milk or broth if needed to restore its creamy texture.
You can also freeze Potato Chowder Soup for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
FAQs About Potato Chowder Soup
How do you make potato chowder soup?
To make potato chowder soup, you typically sauté onions, garlic, and bacon, then add potatoes, broth, and seasonings. Let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, then stir in cream for a rich texture.
Can you freeze potato chowder soup?
Yes, potato chowder soup can be frozen for later use. However, the texture might change slightly when reheated, especially if it contains dairy.
Is potato chowder soup healthy?
Potato chowder soup can be a comforting meal but is often high in calories due to the cream and potatoes. You can make it healthier by using lighter ingredients like low-fat milk or adding more vegetables.
Can I make potato chowder soup without dairy?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of potato chowder soup by using plant-based milk, like almond or coconut milk, and omitting the cream. You can also use dairy-free butter for added richness.
The Ultimate Potato Chowder Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt the butter: Start by melting the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they soften and become fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Cook the potatoes: Add the chopped potatoes to the pot and stir well. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes, just to get them slightly tender.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft.
- Thicken the soup: In a small bowl, mix the flour with a bit of water (about 1/4 cup) to create a slurry. Gradually add this to the soup to thicken it. Stir well to combine.
- Add cream and seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream, then add the salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Blend for smoothness (optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend some of the soup directly in the pot, or carefully transfer part of the soup to a regular blender, blend, and return it to the pot. This will give the chowder a creamy base with small chunks of potatoes remaining.
- Serve: Ladle the chowder into bowls. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
