Broccoli And Cauliflower Chowder
A hearty and creamy broccoli and cauliflower chowder with fragrant thyme and a hint of spice, perfect for comforting meals and vegetable lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 large leek ⓘ
- 3 large garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1 small red bell pepper ⓘ
- 2 c. finely chopped broccoli ⓘ
- 2 c. finely chopped cauliflower ⓘ
- 1 large potato ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. white pepper ⓘ
- dash of cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans chicken broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat butter and oil in a soup pot over medium-low heat.
- Add the sliced leek and cook, covered, for 10 minutes until very soft.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 5 minutes longer.
- Add diced red bell pepper, chopped broccoli, chopped cauliflower, potato, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, white pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 35 minutes until the vegetables are very tender.
- Add evaporated skim milk and heat through before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the chowder before serving. If you don't have leeks, you can substitute with green onions. Additionally, feel free to use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Adding a handful of spinach or kale at the end can boost the nutrition and flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread for dipping or a light salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside bacon-wrapped chicken cutlets or a slice of one-crust turkey or chicken pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chowder on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the chowder thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli And Cauliflower Chowder contains roughly 293 calories, with 10g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (196% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (85% of the Daily Value), and iron (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1260mg per serving (55% 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 make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, this chowder can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen as it sits. However, it's best to add any dairy ingredients just before serving to maintain their texture.
Can I freeze this chowder?
Freezing is possible, but the texture may change once thawed. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Use within 2-3 months for best quality. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of liquid if necessary.
What can I add for extra protein?
For added protein, consider stirring in cooked diced chicken or white beans before serving. This will enhance the meal's heartiness without compromising the chowder's flavor. Alternatively, serve alongside your favorite chicken recipes for a complete dinner.
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).