Potato Chowder

Studded with green peas and enriched with a swirl of cream, Potato Chowder is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort. This easy recipe is perfect for various occasions—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a spring gathering with friends. The bright flavors from the fresh ingredients make it stand out, while its creamy texture ensures every spoonful is satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This chowder comes together in just 50 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of potatoes and peas creates a deliciously vibrant taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a starter or as a main meal; it works well for any occasion.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with wholesome vegetables, this chowder is both delicious and healthy.
• One-Pot Wonder: With minimal cleanup required, you can focus on enjoying your meal rather than stressing over dishes.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your experience when making Potato Chowder.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large heavy pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Potato masher
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large heavy pot: Ideal for even cooking and helps prevent burning.
• Potato masher: Makes mashing the potatoes easy, giving the chowder its desired texture.
• Knife: A sharp knife allows for precise slicing of ingredients, ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium leek, white and pale green parts only, thinly sliced, rinsed, patted dry
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

For the Chowder

• ¼ cup dry white apple vinegar
• 1 lb. baby potatoes, unpeeled, cut into thick wedges
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 tsp. Morton kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

For Finishing Touches

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shelled fresh or frozen peas
• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
• ¼ cup coarsely chopped dill, plus sprigs for serving

How to Make Potato Chowder

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat.
Add 1 medium leek and 3 garlic cloves to the pot.
Cook them while stirring occasionally until lightly browned and slightly softened—about 3 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Base

Add ¼ cup dry white apple vinegar to the pot.
Stir often until almost completely evaporated—about 2 minutes.
Then add 1 lb. of baby potatoes, 6 cups vegetable broth, 2 tsp. kosher salt, and a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper.
Bring everything to a boil and cook uncovered until the potatoes are very tender—20–25 minutes.

Step 3: Mash and Incorporate Cream

Reduce heat to medium after cooking the potatoes.
Using a potato masher, coarsely mash some of the potatoes to break them into smaller pieces.
Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup peas; cook until the peas are tender—about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and mix in 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce) along with ¼ cup coarsely chopped dill.

Step 4: Serve Your Chowder

Ladle the chowder into bowls.
Top each bowl with dill sprigs and season with extra pepper if desired.

This delicious Potato Chowder makes for an ideal meal any time of year! Enjoy every creamy bite!

How to Serve Potato Chowder

Potato chowder is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you want to elevate your meal or keep it simple, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A slice of crusty sourdough or whole-grain bread complements the creamy texture of the chowder nicely.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing your potato chowder with fresh herbs like dill or parsley adds a burst of flavor and freshness.

Serve with a Side Salad

• A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the chowder and adds a refreshing crunch.

Top with Cheese

• Grated cheese, such as sharp cheddar or feta, can be sprinkled on top for added creaminess and flavor.

Include Pickled Vegetables

• Pickled cucumbers or radishes provide a delightful contrast that cuts through the richness of the chowder.

How to Perfect Potato Chowder

To ensure your potato chowder reaches its full potential, consider these helpful tips for perfection.

• Choose the right potatoes: Use waxy potatoes like baby potatoes for better texture and flavor.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed; sometimes a little extra salt or pepper makes all the difference.
• Use fresh peas: Fresh peas add vibrant color and sweetness, enhancing the overall taste of the chowder.
• Experiment with herbs: Don’t hesitate to try different herbs like thyme or chives for unique flavors.
• Control thickness: For a thicker chowder, mash more potatoes or reduce the broth slightly during cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Potato Chowder

Pairing your potato chowder with complementary side dishes can create a satisfying meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into your chowder, this buttery treat is always a favorite.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized enhances both nutrition and flavor.
3. Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing offer a delightful contrast to the smooth chowder.
4. Coleslaw: This crunchy side provides an excellent textural contrast while adding brightness to your plate.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can serve as a hearty accompaniment that complements the soup’s richness.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are deliciously soft and add a lovely touch when enjoyed alongside chowder.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Potato Chowder, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Leeks: Leeks add a subtle sweetness to the chowder. If you omit them, the flavor may fall flat. Always include leeks for that rich base.
• Not Cooking the Potatoes Properly: Undercooked potatoes can ruin the texture of your chowder. Ensure they are very tender before mashing some of them.
• Using Regular Salt: Different salts have different salinity levels. Using table salt instead of kosher can lead to over-salting. Stick to kosher salt for better control.
• Forgetting the Cream: The heavy cream is what makes this chowder creamy and rich. Don’t skip it; it’s essential for achieving that comforting texture.
• Neglecting Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill enhances the flavor profile significantly. Always use fresh herbs when available for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Potato Chowder

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Potato Chowder

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Potato Chowder that might help you while preparing this dish.

Can I customize my Potato Chowder?

Yes! You can add other vegetables like corn or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.

What type of potatoes should I use?

Baby potatoes work great due to their creamy texture, but russet or Yukon gold potatoes are also good options.

Is Potato Chowder healthy?

Potato Chowder can be part of a healthy diet when made with low-sodium broth and fresh ingredients.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version of Potato Chowder, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and skip Worcestershire sauce or use a vegan alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Potato Chowder is not only comforting but also versatile enough for various tastes and dietary needs. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or herbs. Try out this delightful recipe today and enjoy a bowl of warmth!