Turkey Chowder

Turkey Chowder Recipe - Delicious and Satisfying Meal for Any Occasion!

| Servings: 4

Introduction

Turkey chowder is a hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or any other occasion. The combination of tender turkey, vegetables, and creamy broth makes for a delicious and satisfying dish.

History

Chowder is a type of soup that originated in the United States, particularly in New England. It is typically made with seafood, such as clams or fish, but variations with poultry or vegetables are also popular. Turkey chowder is a twist on the classic seafood chowder, using leftover turkey as the main protein.

Ingredients

2 cups of chopped, cooked, or roasted turkey
2 tbsp of butter
1 small diced onion, red, white, or yellow only
1 diced celery stalk
1 diced carrot
2 tbsp of all-purpose flour
3 cups of chicken or turkey broth
1 large peeled and diced potato
0.75 cup of frozen corn
0.5 tsp of dried thyme

How to prepare

In a frying pan, heat butter and cook onion, celery, and carrots for 1 minute.
Remove from heat and add flour.
Stir and cook on low heat for 1 minute.
Add stock and bring to a boil.
Add turkey, potato, corn, and thyme. Cook over low heat for 15 minutes, or until the potato is cooked.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot as is or with other main dishes or side dishes. Spoon or scoop the poultry-based chowder into a fresh, large bowl.

Variations

For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk or broth instead of cream.
Add in other vegetables such as peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Try using different herbs and spices, such as parsley, thyme, or paprika, to change up the flavor profile of the chowder.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp for the best texture in the chowder.

- To make the chowder even creamier, you can add a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end of cooking.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables or herbs that you enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this turkey chowder with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. You can also top it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated cheese for extra flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include sautéing the vegetables, making a roux with flour and butter, and simmering the chowder until the flavors meld together. Be sure to stir the chowder occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have turkey, you can use chicken or ham instead.

- Feel free to swap out the vegetables for ones you prefer or have on hand.

- Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener if you need to avoid wheat.

Make Ahead Tips

This turkey chowder can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the turkey chowder with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream, or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation. Serve it in a rustic bowl or mug for a cozy and inviting look.

Pairing Recommendations

This turkey chowder pairs well with a crisp green salad, a side of garlic bread, or a glass of white wine. For a heartier meal, serve it with a sandwich or a piece of crusty bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover turkey chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth or milk to thin it out if it has thickened in the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this turkey chowder contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this turkey chowder come from the vegetables, potato, and flour used to thicken the broth. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the butter used to sauté the vegetables and thicken the broth. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

The protein in this turkey chowder comes from the turkey meat. Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This chowder is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and iron. These nutrients come from the vegetables, turkey, and broth used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and wheat (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any other allergens in the ingredients you use.

Summary

Overall, this turkey chowder is a balanced and nutritious meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Turkey chowder is a delicious and comforting soup that is perfect for using up leftover turkey. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and herbs. Serve it with a side of bread or salad for a complete meal that will warm you up on a cold day.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town nestled in the mountains. My grandmother, who was a fantastic cook, had invited me into her cozy kitchen to help her prepare a special meal for our family.

As we worked side by side, she told me stories of how she had learned to cook from her own grandmother, who had passed down recipes through the generations. I loved listening to her tales of gathering fresh ingredients from the garden and creating delicious dishes with love and care.

That day, as we chopped vegetables and stirred pots on the stove, my grandmother reached into a worn recipe box that she kept on the counter. She pulled out a faded index card with the words "Turkey Chowder" scrawled across the top in her elegant handwriting.

"This is a recipe that a dear friend shared with me many years ago," she explained, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia. "It's a comforting and hearty soup that is perfect for chilly winter nights."

I watched intently as she read through the ingredients and instructions, carefully measuring out each one with precision. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of onions sautéing in butter, and the sound of simmering broth bubbling on the stove.

As we sat down to enjoy the finished soup, I took my first spoonful of the creamy chowder and was instantly transported to a place of warmth and comfort. The tender chunks of turkey, mixed with hearty vegetables and creamy broth, created a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

From that moment on, Turkey Chowder became a staple in our family's recipe repertoire. I made sure to write down the recipe in my own handwriting, preserving it for future generations to enjoy.

Over the years, I have made this soup countless times for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and quiet nights at home. Each time I prepare it, I am reminded of that special day in my grandmother's kitchen, where I learned the art of cooking with love and tradition.

I have since shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have raved about its delicious flavor and comforting qualities. It brings me joy to see others enjoy the fruits of my labor, and to pass on a piece of my family's culinary history.

As I grow older, I am grateful for the memories and traditions that have shaped me into the cook I am today. The recipe for Turkey Chowder will always hold a special place in my heart, as a reminder of the love and care that goes into creating a delicious meal for those we hold dear.

So, as I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing a pot of Turkey Chowder for my own family, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons learned and the memories made. And as I take that first spoonful, I am transported back to that special day in my grandmother's kitchen, where the seed of my culinary journey was planted.