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
Potato chowder soup is an incredibly versatile recipe, and you can adjust it based on your preferences. For a heartier version, add cooked bacon or sausage for extra flavor. If you're looking to keep it vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Don't forget to adjust the seasonings to your taste—add a little more salt, pepper, or thyme as needed.