Spicy Southwestern Chowder Recipe - USA

Spicy Southwestern Chowder

Spicy Southwestern Chowder Recipe - USA
Region / culture: USA | Servings: 6

Introduction

Spicy Southwestern Chowder
Spicy Southwestern Chowder

Spicy Southwestern Chowder is a delicious and hearty soup that combines the flavors of the Southwest with a creamy and comforting chowder base. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests with a unique and flavorful dish.

History

The origins of Spicy Southwestern Chowder can be traced back to the fusion of traditional chowder recipes with the bold and spicy flavors of Southwestern cuisine. This combination of ingredients and spices creates a dish that is both comforting and exciting, perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Cook the bacon in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crisp.
  2. Drain all but 1 tbsp of fat.
  3. Add the onion, carrots, jalapenos, garlic, chili powder, and cumin.
  4. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the onion is tender.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium.
  6. Add the milk, broth, rice, and corn.
  7. Cook, stirring, for 10 to 12 minutes until the mixture boils.
  8. Cook for 1 more minute, then remove from heat.
  9. Ladle the mixture into bread rounds and garnish with green onions.

Variations

  • Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
  • Use different types of beans or vegetables for a vegetarian version.
  • Top with shredded cheese or sour cream for added richness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the bacon until it is crisp to add a crunchy texture to the chowder.

- Adjust the amount of jalapeno peppers to suit your spice preference.

- For a creamier chowder, you can add a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spicy Southwestern Chowder with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to stir the chowder frequently to prevent sticking.

- Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon as a substitute for regular bacon.

- Substitute quinoa or barley for the brown rice.

- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Make Ahead Tips

Spicy Southwestern Chowder can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Spicy Southwestern Chowder in bread bowls for a fun and creative presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Spicy Southwestern Chowder with a crisp white wine or a cold beer to complement the spicy flavors. A side of cornbread or tortilla chips would also be a tasty addition.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Spicy Southwestern Chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spicy Southwestern Chowder contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spicy Southwestern Chowder contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spicy Southwestern Chowder contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Spicy Southwestern Chowder contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Spicy Southwestern Chowder is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and gluten from the bread rolls. It may also contain soy from the chicken broth.

Summary

Spicy Southwestern Chowder is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Summary

Spicy Southwestern Chowder is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the best of both chowder and Southwestern cuisine. With a balance of spicy heat, creamy texture, and hearty ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for any occasion. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a cold winter day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. As I turned the pages, a picture of a steaming bowl of Spicy Southwestern Chowder caught my eye. The vibrant colors and rich flavors jumped off the page, and I knew I had to make it.

I read through the ingredients list and instructions carefully, imagining the taste of the spicy broth and tender chunks of vegetables. The recipe called for ingredients like corn, peppers, onions, and tomatoes, all of which I already had in my pantry. I decided right then and there that I would make this chowder for dinner that night.

As I chopped the vegetables and simmered the broth, the kitchen filled with the warm, comforting aroma of the soup. I added the spices and let it all cook together, the flavors mingling and developing into something truly special. When the chowder was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and topped it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

The first spoonful was a revelation. The creamy broth was perfectly balanced with the heat from the spices, and each bite was filled with the sweetness of the corn and the crunch of the peppers. I savored every mouthful, feeling the warmth of the chowder seep into my bones and chase away the winter chill.

From that moment on, Spicy Southwestern Chowder became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tried it. I even entered it into a local cooking competition and won first place, much to the delight of my friends and family.

Over the years, I have made this chowder countless times, each batch a little different from the last. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a dash more of this spice or a pinch less of that. I have also shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the joy and comfort of this delicious soup to others.

One day, while shopping at the farmer's market, I ran into an elderly woman who was selling fresh corn and peppers. We struck up a conversation, and I mentioned my love for Spicy Southwestern Chowder. To my surprise, she told me that she had a similar recipe that had been passed down through her family for generations.

Intrigued, I asked her to share it with me, and she graciously agreed. We exchanged contact information, and a few days later, she sent me the recipe in an old, yellowed piece of paper. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I realized that her version of the chowder was slightly different from mine, with the addition of a secret ingredient that she swore made all the difference.

I wasted no time in making the chowder according to her recipe, following her instructions to the letter. The result was a revelation. The flavors were deeper and more complex, the broth richer and more velvety. I knew right away that this version of the chowder would become my new go-to recipe.

I thanked the woman profusely for sharing her family recipe with me, and she smiled and said that she was glad to pass it on to someone who appreciated it as much as she did. From that day on, I made Spicy Southwestern Chowder using the secret ingredient I had learned from her, and it became even more beloved by those who tasted it.

As I sit here now, stirring a pot of Spicy Southwestern Chowder on the stove, I am filled with gratitude for the wonderful journey that led me to this recipe. From the moment I first saw it in my mother's cookbook to the day I learned the secret ingredient from a kind stranger at the farmer's market, this chowder has brought me joy, comfort, and connection with others.

I know that I will continue to make this soup for years to come, sharing it with friends and family and passing it on to future generations. And with each spoonful of warm, spicy broth, I will be reminded of the stories behind this recipe and the love that went into creating it.

Categories

| American Recipes | Chowder Recipes |

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