Sausage Chowder
Sausage chowder offers a hearty, comforting blend of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and flavorful vegetables in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for a satisfying family meal, it combines robust flavors and creamy textures, making it ideal for chilly evenings or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large boiler or Dutch oven, brown the sausage.
- Crumble the sausage well and add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Drain the sausage mixture well.
- Stir in the kidney beans, tomatoes, water, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chopped green pepper and diced potatoes.
- Simmer for an additional 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using spicy sausage or adding a splash of hot sauce. You can substitute canned beans with cooked dried beans for a fresher taste. If you don't have kidney beans, black or pinto beans work well too. Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried, just increase the quantity. Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty sausage chowder is perfect served with crusty bread or over a bed of rice. A fresh green salad, like a Spinach Salad Dressing, complements the dish nicely. For added texture, sprinkle with crumbled crackers or a dollop of sour cream before serving. It also pairs beautifully with Mom Leeper'S Baked Beans for a filling meal.
Storage & Reheating
Cool the chowder completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Chowder contains roughly 671 calories, with 35g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (234% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (221% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1361mg per serving (59% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chowder actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving, adding a little water if it's too thick.
What other vegetables can I add to this chowder?
You can add a variety of vegetables to this chowder. Carrots, zucchini, or corn are excellent choices. Just ensure that they are chopped to similar sizes for even cooking. Adding vegetables enhances nutrition and flavor.
Is there a vegetarian option for this chowder?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the sausage and using a plant-based sausage alternative. Replace the pork broth with vegetable broth for added flavor, and consider adding more beans or lentils for protein.
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).