Are you craving a comforting, flavorful bowl of chowder but short on time? Then look no further! This Dreamlight Valley-inspired chowder recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch, this healthy and hearty meal is sure to become a family favorite. It’s one of those best recipes that’s surprisingly simple to make, even for beginners. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this simple and satisfying chowder!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe provides a healthy and flavorful chowder, perfect for a quick and easy dinner. The ingredient list is straightforward, making it ideal for beginners in the kitchen.
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk (or half-and-half for a richer chowder)
- 1 (15 ounce) can creamed corn
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: A Simple Guide to Chowder Perfection
This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through creating this delicious chowder. Perfect for a quick dinner idea!
- Start with the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the bacon grease in the pot. Set the bacon aside to crumble later.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the butter to the pot and melt. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Creamy Finish: Stir in the milk (or half-and-half), creamed corn, and frozen corn. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Do not boil.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in the crumbled bacon. Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your delicious homemade chowder!
Tips and Tricks for Chowder Success
- For a thicker chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the milk and corn.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as chopped bell peppers or mushrooms.
- If you don’t have chicken broth, you can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- This chowder tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping!
Variations: Explore Your Culinary Creativity
- Seafood Chowder: Add 1 cup of cooked shrimp, clams, or cod during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Cheesy Chowder: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This easy chowder recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade cooking!