Description
Comfort meets nutrition in this hearty carrot chowder, blending silky textures with rich, warming flavors. Spices and fresh vegetables dance together, creating a soul-soothing bowl that welcomes winter’s chill while nourishing you completely.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 4 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Liquid Base:
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings and Thickeners:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat (350°F). Sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors without burning.
- Incorporate diced carrots and potatoes into the pot, ensuring even distribution of vegetables.
- Pour broth into the pot, bringing mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low-medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes until vegetables become tender.
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some vegetable chunks for rustic appeal.
- Introduce milk or heavy cream, seasoning with salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- To enhance thickness, whisk cornstarch slurry into the chowder and cook until slightly thickened.
- Optional: Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a velvety consistency.
- Ladle chowder into serving bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a vibrant finish.
- Serve immediately while hot, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Boost vegetable nutrition by keeping skin on carrots, packed with extra fiber and nutrients.
- Create dairy-free version using coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter, plant-based alternative.
- Enhance flavor depth by roasting carrots and onions before adding to the chowder for a caramelized, richer taste profile.
- Extend storage life by cooling completely and storing in airtight container for up to 4 days, reheating gently to maintain creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg