Thanksgiving Chowder

Thanksgiving Chowder Recipe - A Hearty Bowl of Flavorful Delight

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

Introduction

Thanksgiving Chowder is a hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for the holiday season. This recipe combines the flavors of winter squash, celery root, cabbage, and turkey to create a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please your family and friends.

History

Thanksgiving Chowder is a modern twist on traditional Thanksgiving flavors. It combines the ingredients commonly found on the Thanksgiving table, such as turkey and winter squash, with classic chowder ingredients like celery root and cabbage. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover turkey from your holiday feast.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
3.75 cups winter squash
1.75 cups celery root, cut into pieces
2 qt (1.89 liters) turkey stock
0.5 cup uncooked rice
1.25 cups savoy cabbage, coarsely chopped
2.25 cups cooked and cubed turkey meat
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a large heavy kettle.
Add the winter squash (such as butternut or hubbard) and celery root; sauté over medium heat for 2 minutes.
Add the turkey stock, bring it to a boil, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Puree the mixture in a food processor or blender and return it to the kettle.
Add the remaining squash and celery, as well as the uncooked rice.
Cook the mixture, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
Add the savoy cabbage and cook for 5 minutes, or until the rice and vegetables are tender.
Stir in the cubed turkey meat.
Heat until hot.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Variations

Substitute chicken for turkey for a different flavor.
Add diced potatoes or carrots for extra vegetables.
Top with crispy bacon or croutons for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the winter squash and celery root before adding the stock to enhance their flavors.

- Pureeing a portion of the soup before adding the remaining vegetables and turkey helps to thicken the chowder and create a creamy texture.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Thanksgiving Chowder with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the vegetables before adding the stock helps to develop their flavors.

- Pureeing a portion of the soup before adding the remaining ingredients creates a creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of winter squash in place of the specified variety.

- Substitute chicken or vegetable stock for turkey stock if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Thanksgiving Chowder with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Thanksgiving Chowder with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a delicious pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Thanksgiving Chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Thanksgiving Chowder contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Thanksgiving Chowder contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Thanksgiving Chowder contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Thanksgiving Chowder contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Thanksgiving Chowder is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains celery and may contain allergens such as gluten and dairy if the stock used contains these ingredients.

Summary

Thanksgiving Chowder is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a great way to use up leftover turkey and vegetables from your holiday meal.

Summary

Thanksgiving Chowder is a delicious and comforting soup that is perfect for the holiday season. This recipe combines the flavors of winter squash, celery root, cabbage, and turkey to create a hearty and satisfying dish that is sure to become a new family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a brisk autumn day, the leaves were falling and the air was filled with the crisp scent of apples and cinnamon. I had just finished grocery shopping for Thanksgiving dinner and was browsing through a stack of old recipe cards, looking for inspiration for a new dish to try. That's when I stumbled upon a faded, handwritten note tucked away in the back of my recipe box.

The note was written in elegant cursive handwriting and simply read: "Thanksgiving Chowder." Intrigued, I carefully unfolded the paper and began to read the ingredients and instructions. As I read through the list of ingredients - diced turkey, sweet potatoes, corn, and a blend of savory herbs and spices - my mouth began to water. I could almost taste the rich, hearty flavors just from reading the recipe.

I quickly gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. As I chopped, stirred, and simmered, memories of past Thanksgivings flooded my mind. I thought of my own grandmother, who had taught me the joy of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. I remembered the first Thanksgiving I hosted in my own home, the laughter and chatter of friends and family gathered around the table, the warm, comforting aroma of roasting turkey filling the air.

As the chowder bubbled on the stove, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. This recipe was more than just a list of ingredients and instructions - it was a connection to my past, a link to the generations of cooks who had come before me. I felt a kinship with the unknown author of the recipe, a fellow lover of good food and cherished traditions.

Finally, the chowder was ready. I ladled steaming bowls of the fragrant soup into mismatched ceramic bowls and set them out on the dining table. The rich aroma of roasted turkey mingled with the sweet, earthy scent of sweet potatoes and corn. I couldn't wait to share this new dish with my family and friends, to see their faces light up with delight as they took their first spoonfuls.

As we gathered around the table, the chatter and laughter of loved ones filled the room. I watched as my husband, children, and grandchildren savored each spoonful of the Thanksgiving Chowder, their eyes lighting up with joy at the delicious flavors. It warmed my heart to see them enjoying the fruits of my labor, to know that this simple dish had brought us all together in a moment of shared happiness and gratitude.

And so, as we sat together, savoring the last spoonfuls of chowder and sharing stories and laughter, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment and peace. This recipe had not only brought us together for a delicious meal, but had also connected us to the traditions and memories of Thanksgivings past. It was a reminder of the power of food to nourish not just our bodies, but our spirits as well.

As I cleared the empty bowls from the table and began to wash the dishes, I tucked the recipe card back into my recipe box, where it would wait patiently for the next Thanksgiving to come. I knew that this Thanksgiving Chowder would become a new tradition in our family, a dish that would bring us together year after year, reminding us of the joy of good food, good company, and good memories. And for that, I was truly grateful.