Hearty Vegetable Chowder
Hearty vegetable chowder combines tender vegetables, smoky bacon, and creamy milk in a comforting soup perfect for a cozy family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb bacon ⓘ
- 2 c boiling water ⓘ
- 1/2 c thinly sliced onion ⓘ
- 1 c diagonally sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 c diced potatoes ⓘ
- 1 c thinly sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 c cut green beans ⓘ
- 1 (17 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 c evaporated milk ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp flour ⓘ
- 1/4 c water ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz) can pimento ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 3 to 4-quart saucepan, fry bacon until crisp.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Add boiling water, onion, celery, potatoes, carrots, green beans, corn, garlic powder, salt, and bay leaf to the bacon drippings.
- Stir and heat to boiling.
- Reduce heat, cover, and boil slowly for about 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in evaporated milk.
- Mix flour and water until smooth, then stir into the soup.
- Add chopped pimento and return to boiling.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor without bacon, try adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke. You can replace evaporated milk with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk for a vegan option. If you prefer a thicker chowder, increase the flour or blend a portion of the soup for creaminess. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty vegetable chowder with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Darlene'S Meatballs for a comforting gathering or can be a delicious starter to any fall dinner. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or croutons for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short intervals, but ensure it’s heated through evenly. If the chowder thickens too much, add a little water or broth to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Vegetable Chowder contains roughly 831 calories, with 24g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (73% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1488mg per serving (65% 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 or vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and substitute with a tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing. Use vegetable broth instead of water for more depth of flavor. Replace evaporated milk with a non-dairy milk option, such as almond or coconut milk, to keep it vegan.
How can I make the chowder thicker?
To thicken your chowder, you can either increase the amount of flour used or blend a portion of the soup until smooth and then stir it back in. Another option is to add more diced potatoes, as they will break down and naturally thicken the soup during cooking.
What can I add for extra protein?
For added protein, consider including cooked shredded chicken or white beans. These can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you could serve the chowder with a side of grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty meal.
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).