Broccoli Mushroom Chowder
A comforting and creamy broccoli mushroom chowder featuring tender vegetables in a rich, velvety broth. Perfect for chilly days, this hearty soup combines the earthiness of mushrooms and the freshness of broccoli, making it a satisfying starter or main course for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean and cut broccoli into 1/2-inch pieces and steam in 1/2 cup water until tender. Do not drain; set aside.
- Wash and slice mushrooms.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add sifted flour to the melted butter to make a roux and cook for 2 to 4 minutes.
- Add chicken stock, stirring with a wire whip, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the steamed broccoli, sliced mushrooms, half and half, salt, and white pepper.
- Heat the mixture gently, but do not boil, until thoroughly heated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the chowder before adding the vegetables back in. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Adding garlic or onion can enhance the flavor profile. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also add a nice touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or croutons for added texture. It pairs beautifully with a crusty bread or a side salad to balance the richness. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Chicken Excellent or a light protein option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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. Adding a splash of chicken stock or half and half can help maintain its creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Mushroom Chowder contains roughly 1296 calories, with 9g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 120g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (74% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 frozen broccoli and mushrooms instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli and mushrooms. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the chowder to avoid excess water. The texture may differ slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How can I make this chowder vegetarian?
To make the chowder vegetarian, simply replace the chicken stock with vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, maintaining the flavor while accommodating dietary preferences.
Can I add other vegetables to this chowder?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, corn, or potatoes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is tender and complements the original 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).