Fast And Fit Potato Chowder
A quick, creamy potato chowder packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, perfect for comforting family meals or cozy gatherings with customizable toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped leeks or onions ⓘ
- 1 c. diced red and/or green bell peppers ⓘ
- 2 lb. potatoes, diced 1/2-inch ⓘ
- 3 c. chicken broth or bouillon ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 c. low-fat milk ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen corn, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe dish, melt butter on High for 1 minute.
- Add chopped leeks or onions and bell peppers; microwave on High for 3 minutes.
- Stir in diced potatoes, chicken broth, dried thyme leaves, and bay leaves.
- Remove 4 cups of cooked potatoes with a slotted spoon and transfer to an electric blender.
- Add low-fat milk to the blender and puree until smooth.
- Return the blended mixture to the dish.
- Stir in thawed and drained corn, chopped parsley, cayenne pepper, and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat on High for 3 minutes until hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker cook time, consider using pre-cooked or canned potatoes. If you prefer a creamier texture, substitute half of the low-fat milk with heavy cream or a plant-based alternative like almond milk. Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried thyme for a brighter flavor. If you're looking for an extra kick, a dash of hot sauce can be added.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the potato chowder hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley for freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For an enhanced experience, consider serving it alongside Chicken Noodle Soup With Vegetables to create a comforting, hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chowder in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating to regain the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fast And Fit Potato Chowder contains roughly 1089 calories, with 27g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (218% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (209% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1061mg per serving (46% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use margarine for a fully vegetarian option. You can also enhance the flavor with additional spices or a splash of soy sauce.
How can I make this chowder spicier?
To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper or incorporate diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the spice level gradually to suit your taste preference.
Can I freeze this potato chowder?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chowder for up to two months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
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).