Low-Fat New England Turkey Chowder
A comforting low-fat New England turkey chowder featuring tender potatoes and turkey in a flavorful broth, perfect for a light, hearty meal for family or friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 5-quart pan, over medium-high heat, sauté celery and onions in margarine for 2 to 3 minutes, or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add broth, potatoes, salt, white pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Once mixture is at a simmer, cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the cooked turkey.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade turkey or chicken broth. You can substitute the nonfat milk with unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free option. If you want a creamier chowder, blend a portion of the potatoes before adding the turkey. Adding a bay leaf during cooking can enhance the depth of flavor. Serve with whole grain bread for a satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
This chowder is delicious served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top. It pairs beautifully with whole grain crackers or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, you might enjoy it alongside Pork Sausage Gravy And Biscuits. Consider offering a light dessert like Easy Lemon Pies to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the chowder thickens, you can add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Avoid microwaving to prevent uneven heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat New England Turkey Chowder contains roughly 1106 calories, with 26g protein, 189g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (149% of the Daily Value), iron (119% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2793mg per serving (121% 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 leftover Thanksgiving turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is perfect for this chowder, adding great flavor and texture. Just be sure to cut it into bite-sized cubes. This is a fantastic way to utilize leftovers and create a comforting dish.
Is it possible to make this chowder vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chowder vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of turkey or chicken broth and omitting the turkey. You can add more vegetables or even some beans for protein to maintain a hearty texture.
What can I add to make the chowder thicker?
To thicken the chowder, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot or blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in. Alternatively, a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) added during simmering can also work effectively.
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).