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Potato and Sausage Chowder with Wild Rice

Potato and Sausage Chowder with Wild Rice
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This Potato and Sausage Chowder with Wild Rice is a warm, creamy, and hearty comfort food perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings. Combining tender potatoes, savory sausage, nutty wild rice, and classic vegetables in a single pot, this chowder is rich in flavor and texture, delivering a satisfying and nourishing meal that’s easy to make and versatile for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups peeled and chopped Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
  • 1 pound flavorful pork sausage (spicy or mild depending on preference)
  • 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Cook the Wild Rice: Rinse the wild rice thoroughly, then simmer it in water or chicken broth for 40 to 45 minutes until tender yet still chewy. Drain excess liquid and keep warm.
  2. Brown the Sausage: Heat butter or oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove sausage from pot and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until aromatic.
  4. Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the peeled and chopped potatoes to the pot, then pour in chicken broth until the vegetables are just covered. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
  5. Combine with Wild Rice and Sausage: Return the cooked sausage and the drained wild rice to the pot. Stir everything together and warm through for about 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in Cream and Season: Lower the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Adjust seasonings to taste and simmer for a few minutes until the chowder is hot and flavors meld.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the wild rice; keep it slightly firm for pleasant texture contrast.
  • Use thick-cut sausage for better texture and flavor bursts.
  • For a cheesy twist, stir in sharp cheddar or smoked gouda just before serving.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives at the end for brightness.
  • Keep some potatoes chunky to avoid a mushy chowder base.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato chowder, sausage chowder, wild rice soup, comfort food, creamy chowder, one-pot meals, hearty soup

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/potato-and-sausage-chowder-with-wild-rice/