Rocky Mountain Potato Chowder(Delicious)
A hearty, flavorful potato chowder packed with vegetables, turkey, and smoky bacon, perfect for a comforting meal that appeals to both family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 slices turkey bacon or pork bacon, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced (white parts and green tops separated) ⓘ
- 4 cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 to 4 large potatoes, peeled and 1/2-inch diced ⓘ
- 1 cup carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, seeded and diced ⓘ
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup corn kernels ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- 2 cups diced turkey or chicken ⓘ
- 2 cups low-fat milk ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- In a heavy stew pot over medium heat, brown the chopped bacon; drain excess fat.
- Add most of the sliced green onions (reserve the green tops for garnish) and cook, stirring for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth and diced potatoes; cover and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add sliced carrots and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add diced bell pepper, sliced zucchini, and corn kernels; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in diced turkey or chicken and cook until heated through.
- Mix low-fat milk with cornstarch to create a slurry, then add to the soup.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until the soup slightly thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with the reserved green onion tops before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try using smoked turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the meat. You can also add other vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrients. If you want a creamier texture, blend a portion of the chowder before adding the milk.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chowder with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Calla's Casserole for a delightful family dinner. Consider adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top or a dollop of sour cream for added richness before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chowder over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up as it can thicken when stored.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rocky Mountain Potato Chowder(Delicious) contains roughly 568 calories, with 26g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (124% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value), and protein (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1201mg per serving (52% 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 frozen vegetables in this chowder?
Yes, you can use frozen corn, carrots, and even diced potatoes if you're short on time. Just add them directly to the pot, but be mindful that frozen vegetables may require a slightly longer cooking time to become tender.
How can I make this chowder gluten-free?
To make this chowder gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free chicken broth and replace the cornstarch with a gluten-free thickener like arrowroot powder or a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix. This will keep the texture creamy without the gluten.
Can I prepare this chowder in advance?
Absolutely! This chowder can be made a day ahead, as the flavors develop and become richer overnight. Just reheat gently and add a bit more milk if it thickens too much. It’s a convenient option for meal prep or hosting guests.
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).