American Chowder

Hearty Chowder Recipe with Sausage and Potatoes

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

American Chowder is a hearty and comforting dish that has been a staple in American cuisine for generations. This particular recipe combines the creamy texture of traditional chowders with the unique addition of Little Smokies sausage or hotdog and American cheese, making it a delightful twist on the classic. Perfect for chilly evenings, this chowder is not only satisfying but also packed with flavors that will please the whole family.

History

The history of chowder in America dates back to the early settlers, who combined their traditional recipes with the ingredients available in the New World. Over time, various regions developed their own versions of chowder, incorporating local ingredients and preferences. This recipe is a modern take on those traditional chowders, blending the comforting elements of potatoes and milk with the American love for cheese and sausages.

Ingredients

1 large onion, sliced
2 tbsp butter or margarine
4 cups potatoes, cubed
2 cups cold water
1 cup celery, sliced
2 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
2 cups milk
2 tbsp flour
1 (12 oz (340 g)) package Little Smokies sausage or hotdog, sliced
0.5 lb (227 g) american cheese, cubed

How to prepare

Cook and stir onion in butter in a 3 qt (2.84 liter) saucepan over medium-high heat until tender.
Add potatoes, water, celery, and seasonings.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and cover.
Simmer for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Gradually add a small amount of milk to flour, stirring until well blended.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the hot vegetables, stirring constantly.
Stir in the remaining milk and sausage; cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils and thickens.
Add American cheese and stir until melted.

Variations

For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and cheese. Vegetarians can substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative or simply increase the amount of vegetables. Adding corn or carrots can also introduce new flavors and textures.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure a smooth and creamy chowder, gradually add the milk to the flour to avoid lumps. Constant stirring is crucial when adding the flour mixture to the hot vegetables to prevent sticking and ensure even thickening. For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. Additionally, cutting the vegetables and sausage into uniform sizes will ensure they cook evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor. A side of crusty bread or crackers complements the creamy texture, making for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

For a smoother chowder, blend part of the soup before adding the sausage and cheese. This technique thickens the soup without the need for extra flour, enhancing the creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be used in place of margarine for a richer flavor. Cheddar cheese can substitute American cheese for a sharper taste. For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch instead of flour as the thickener.

Make Ahead Tips

This chowder can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. The flavors often deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little milk if the chowder has thickened too much.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the chowder in a hollowed-out bread bowl for an impressive presentation. Garnish with shredded cheese and a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing pairs well with the richness of the chowder. For wine enthusiasts, a glass of Chardonnay complements the creamy texture and flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if the chowder is too thick.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of this American Chowder contains approximately 300-400 calories, making it a hearty meal option. The calories mainly come from the carbohydrates and fats in the recipe.

Carbohydrates

This chowder is relatively high in carbohydrates, primarily due to the potatoes and flour. A serving contains approximately 30-40 grams of carbohydrates, making it a substantial part of a balanced diet. For those monitoring their carb intake, consider reducing the amount of potatoes or substituting part of them with cauliflower.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the margarine, milk, sausage, and American cheese. A serving contains about 15-20 grams of fat, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. Using low-fat milk and cheese can help reduce the overall fat content without compromising the creamy texture and flavor.

Proteins

Proteins in this chowder are provided by the milk, sausage, and cheese, contributing to a total of approximately 15-20 grams per serving. This makes the chowder a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of calcium from the milk and cheese, as well as vitamin C and potassium from the potatoes. The celery and onion also provide dietary fiber and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K and folate.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include dairy (milk, cheese) and gluten (from flour). Those with sensitivities to these ingredients can substitute lactose-free milk and gluten-free flour as needed.

Summary

Overall, this American Chowder is a comforting and satisfying meal with a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option for a family dinner.

Summary

This American Chowder recipe offers a comforting and hearty meal that is both nutritious and satisfying. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and the added twist of Little Smokies sausage and American cheese, it's a modern take on a classic dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had just finished a long day of work in the garden. As I sat down to leaf through my collection of old cookbooks, I stumbled upon a worn and tattered recipe for American Chowder.

I had never tried making chowder before, but something about the combination of creamy broth, tender vegetables, and chunks of tender seafood called out to me. It seemed like the perfect dish to warm me up on a cold night.

I decided to give it a try, following the recipe as closely as possible. I gathered the ingredients - fresh corn, potatoes, onions, and a medley of seafood including shrimp, clams, and chunks of white fish. I diced the vegetables and simmered them in a pot with butter until they were tender. Then, I added the seafood and let it cook until the flavors melded together.

As I stirred the pot, inhaling the savory aroma that wafted from the simmering broth, I couldn't help but think back to all the different recipes I had learned over the years. Some had been passed down from my own mother, while others I had picked up from friends, neighbors, and even strangers I had met while traveling.

I remembered the elderly Italian woman who had taught me how to make the perfect marinara sauce, using only the ripest tomatoes and a secret blend of herbs and spices. I thought of the young pastry chef who had shown me the art of making delicate meringue cookies, piping the fluffy batter onto baking sheets in intricate swirls.

Each recipe had its own story, its own history, and its own unique flavor. And as I tasted the first spoonful of my homemade American Chowder, I knew that this recipe would join the ranks of my favorites.

The chowder was rich and creamy, with a subtle sweetness from the fresh corn and a hint of brininess from the seafood. The potatoes had soaked up the flavors of the broth, becoming tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It was everything I had hoped for and more.

As I sat down to enjoy my meal, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the wealth of knowledge and experience I had accumulated over the years. Cooking had always been more than just a hobby for me - it was a way to connect with others, to learn about different cultures and traditions, and to create something beautiful and delicious out of simple ingredients.

And as I savored each spoonful of my American Chowder, I knew that this recipe would be one that I would cherish and pass down to future generations. Just like all the other recipes I had learned along the way, it would become a part of my family's culinary heritage, a reminder of the joy and satisfaction that comes from sharing good food with the ones we love.