Cheese And Cauliflower Chowder
A creamy, cheesy cauliflower chowder with savory mushrooms and pimento, perfect for comforting lunches or light dinners, blending rich flavors with wholesome vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, cook the chopped onion in water until tender.
- Add the frozen cauliflower, undrained mushrooms, chicken bouillon granules, and dry mustard.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for about 8 minutes, or until the cauliflower is just tender.
- In a screw-top jar, combine the skim milk and cornstarch; shake well.
- Stir the milk mixture into the hot vegetable mixture.
- Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.
- Stir in the shredded American cheese and chopped pimento.
- Heat through, stirring to melt the cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or using whole milk instead of skim milk. If you want to enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder. You can also substitute the American cheese with cheddar for a sharper taste. If you're short on time, use fresh cauliflower but steam it beforehand to ensure it cooks quickly in the chowder.
Serving Suggestions
This chowder pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a side of Chicken Salad Amandine With Frozen Fruit Salad(From Rich'S Magnolia Room) for a delightful contrast. Garnish with extra pimento or fresh herbs like parsley for added freshness and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery. If the chowder thickens too much upon cooling, add a little water or milk to reach your desired consistency while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese And Cauliflower Chowder contains roughly 176 calories, with 10g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (93% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 4g 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 fresh cauliflower instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh cauliflower! Just chop it into small florets and steam them for a few minutes before adding them to the chowder. This ensures they cook quickly and become tender in the soup.
Is there a vegetarian version of this chowder?
Absolutely! To make this chowder vegetarian, simply replace the chicken bouillon granules with vegetable bouillon. Ensure that the cheese you use is also vegetarian-friendly, and you'll have a delicious vegetarian chowder.
How can I make this chowder spicier?
To add some heat to your chowder, consider incorporating a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños. You could also top the finished dish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your preference!
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).