Farmhouse Chowder
Farmhouse Chowder is a hearty, comforting soup featuring tender potatoes, mixed vegetables, and savory cheese and eggs. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it perfect for cold days or family dinners, offering a satisfying blend of vegetables, dairy, and protein in every comforting spoonful.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cubed potatoes ⓘ
- 1 small onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 can chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/3 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz) can evaporated milk ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 can whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 can green beans ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped pimento ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 3/4 cup diced Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Simmer the cubed potatoes and diced onion in chicken broth until tender, about 10 minutes.
- In a separate pan, cook the butter and flour until bubbly.
- Gradually add the evaporated milk and water to the butter and flour mixture, stirring constantly.
- Cook until the mixture is thick and smooth.
- Add this mixture to the pot with the cooked potatoes, onions, and broth.
- Add the canned corn, green beans, chopped pimento, bay leaf, pepper, and salt to taste.
- Simmer the chowder for 15 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Stir in the diced cheddar cheese and chopped hard-boiled eggs just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, substitute half of the evaporated milk with heavy cream. You can also use fresh vegetables such as carrots or celery for added texture. If you're short on time, frozen corn and green beans work well as substitutes. Remember to adjust the seasoning based on your taste preferences, especially if using low-sodium broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with additional cheddar cheese and fresh herbs like parsley for an added touch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad, making it a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside dishes like Gravy Baked Pork Chops or a light Apple-Cranberry Wild Rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the chowder thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or milk to restore its creamy consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Farmhouse Chowder contains roughly 1530 calories, with 35g protein, 165g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (189% of the Daily Value), iron (82% of the Daily Value), and protein (71% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2021mg per serving (88% 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 cheese instead of Cheddar?
Yes, you can substitute Cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for different flavor profiles. Just keep in mind that the melting qualities may vary, so choose a cheese that you enjoy and works well in creamy dishes.
Is this chowder suitable for freezing?
While you can freeze the chowder, it's best to leave out the dairy and eggs before freezing. Once thawed, you can add those ingredients back in while reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor. The chowder can be frozen for up to 3 months.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this chowder, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also enhance the flavors with additional herbs and spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to create a delicious plant-based option.
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).