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Potato and Sausage Chowder with Wild Rice

Potato and Sausage Chowder with Wild Rice
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Warm up with a rich Potato and Sausage Chowder with Wild Rice, a hearty and creamy soup combining tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and nutty wild rice in a savory broth. Perfect for cozy meals, this chowder offers comfort food flavor that satisfies any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups diced Russet potatoes (about 3 medium potatoes)
  • 12 oz smoked sausage, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh chopped parsley or chives
  • Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Crispy bacon bits

Optional Variations

  • Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños (for spicy kick)
  • Mushrooms or smoked tofu (for vegetarian version)
  • Quinoa or brown rice (grain swap)
  • Corn, bell peppers, or kale (extra veggies)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the potatoes into even bite-sized cubes for uniform cooking, slice the smoked sausage thinly so it crisps nicely when sautéed, and rinse the wild rice thoroughly to remove any grit. Set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics and Sausage: Heat a large pot over medium heat with a splash of oil. Add diced onions, celery, and carrots; sauté until tender and fragrant. Add minced garlic last to prevent burning. Then add the sausage slices, cooking until browned and smoky.
  3. Cook the Rice and Potatoes: Add the rinsed wild rice, diced potatoes, and broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until the rice is tender and potatoes are cooked through, about 40 to 50 minutes depending on the wild rice variety.
  4. Finish with Cream and Season: Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk to enrich the chowder. Season generously with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Warm through to let flavors meld beautifully.
  5. Adjust Consistency and Serve: If too thick, thin with extra broth or milk. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with your choice of garnishes and sides.

Notes

  • Use smoked sausage for deeper, smoky flavor compared to regular sausage.
  • If short on time, cook wild rice separately and add near the end to avoid overcooking.
  • Cut potatoes evenly for consistent texture and even cooking.
  • Simmer on low heat to allow full flavor development and properly softened rice.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly distribute the creamy broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato chowder, sausage chowder, wild rice soup, comfort food, creamy chowder

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