Bean And Sausage Chowder
Creamy bean and sausage chowder combines tender lima beans, smoky sausage, and melted cheddar for a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 4 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen lima beans, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/2 oz.) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) package smoked sausage links, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large kettle over medium heat.
- Saute the chopped onion until tender.
- Stir in flour, salt, paprika, dried dill weed, and pepper until smooth.
- Gradually stir in milk, bringing to a boil while stirring constantly.
- Boil and stir for 1 minute.
- Stir in thawed lima beans, rinsed and drained garbanzo beans, and sliced smoked sausage links.
- Cover and simmer until lima beans are tender, about 10 minutes or longer.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded Cheddar cheese until melted.
- Return to heat if necessary to finish melting the cheese.
- Do not boil after adding cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of smoked and spicy sausage. You can substitute the smoked sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option. If you prefer a thicker chowder, add more flour or reduce the milk slightly. For added texture, try incorporating some diced potatoes or corn. This chowder is perfect as a comforting meal, especially when paired with crusty bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light appetizer such as a simple green salad or a slice of Turkey And Spinach Quiche.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the chowder has thickened in the fridge, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bean And Sausage Chowder contains roughly 752 calories, with 14g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1305mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of beans in this chowder?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for lima and garbanzo beans, feel free to experiment with other beans like kidney or black beans for different flavors and textures. Just make sure to rinse and drain canned beans properly before adding them to the chowder.
Is this chowder suitable for freezing?
Yes, this chowder can be frozen, but it's best to do so before adding the cheese. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, then stir in the cheese just before serving.
What can I do if the chowder is too thick?
If your chowder turns out too thick, simply add a bit more milk or broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir it in gradually over low heat until it warms through. This will help maintain the creamy texture without losing flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).