Potato Frank Chowder
A hearty and creamy potato chowder with wieners and vegetables, perfect for a comforting meal that appeals to family and comfort food lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over the hash brown potatoes and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Slice the wieners.
- Saute the sliced wieners, chopped onion, and chopped celery in butter in a large saucepan until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the cream of celery soup, evaporated milk, salt, and dill weed.
- Add the soaked potatoes and water to the saucepan.
- Heat the mixture to boiling, then reduce heat and simmer gently until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the chowder. If wieners aren't your preference, turkey or chicken sausages can be used as substitutes. Ensure the hash browns are well-soaked to maintain a creamy texture. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can elevate the dish further, providing a bright finish. Serve immediately for best results.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty chowder pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For added texture, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits or croutons on top before serving. It also makes a great base for a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese or green onions. For dessert, consider serving Fresh Cherry Cobbler to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chowder on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency. Avoid reheating in the microwave to prevent separation.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Potato Frank Chowder contains roughly 536 calories, with 14g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (156% of the Daily Value), iron (86% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (81% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2449mg per serving (106% 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 recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chowder vegetarian by omitting the wieners and using vegetable broth instead of water. Replace the cream of celery soup with a homemade version made from vegetable stock and pureed celery, or use a store-bought vegetarian alternative. This will keep the flavors rich without the meat.
Can I freeze Potato Frank Chowder?
While it's possible to freeze the chowder, the texture of the potatoes and cream may change upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, do so before adding the cream of celery soup. Once thawed, reheat the chowder and stir in the cream soup for the best results. Consume within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
What can I use instead of cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup on hand, you can substitute it with a homemade version by combining equal parts of heavy cream, sautéed celery, and a bit of flour to thicken. Alternatively, cream of mushroom soup or any other creamy soup can work well in this recipe, providing a different but complementary flavor.
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).