Parmesan Chowder
A creamy, cheesy Parmesan chowder packed with tender potatoes, carrots, and celery, perfect for cozy dinners and hearty lunches, appealing to comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, salt, and pepper in a pot.
- Add boiling water and simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Make a white sauce by melting butter, stirring in flour, then gradually adding milk to thicken.
- Stir the white sauce into the cooked vegetables.
- Add Parmesan cheese and simmer a little longer before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you're out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano can be a great substitute. To enhance the flavor, add some minced garlic when sautéing the onions. For a twist, include some diced bacon for a smoky flavor or incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Parmesan chowder with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Vegetable Pizza(Appetizer) for a delightful combination of flavors. Consider sprinkling additional Parmesan on top before serving for an extra cheesy finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the chowder has thickened too much. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the dairy to separate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Parmesan Chowder contains roughly 1347 calories, with 28g protein, 212g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (138% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (116% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2475mg per serving (108% 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 vegan?
Yes, you can make this chowder vegan by substituting the butter with plant-based margarine, using non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and omitting the Parmesan cheese or using a vegan cheese alternative. The texture and flavor will differ, but it will still be delicious.
How can I thicken the chowder if it's too thin?
If your chowder is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then adding it to the simmering chowder. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot to create a creamier texture.
What other vegetables can I add to this chowder?
You can customize this chowder by adding vegetables like corn, green beans, or bell peppers. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose, ensuring they all become tender and flavorful.
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).