Description

Potato and Sausage Chowder with Wild Rice is a warm, hearty, and creamy soup combining tender potatoes, savory smoked sausage, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables. This comforting chowder is rich in flavor and texture, perfect for cozy nights, meal prep, or entertaining guests with its satisfying and flexible nature.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 cups peeled and diced starchy potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
1 cup wild rice, rinsed and cooked
1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Wild Rice: Rinse and cook the wild rice according to package instructions. This usually takes 40-45 minutes until tender but still slightly chewy. Set aside.
Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sliced sausage over medium heat until browned and slightly crisp on the edges. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onions, celery, and carrots to the pot with the sausage drippings. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Cook the Potatoes: Add peeled and diced potatoes to the pot, stirring to coat with the aromatics. Pour in chicken broth until the potatoes are covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Combine and Simmer: Return cooked sausage and the cooked wild rice to the pot. Stir well to combine. Pour in heavy cream and gently warm the chowder, avoiding boiling. Simmer for 5 more minutes to blend flavors.
Season and Serve: Season the chowder with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme. Stir well and serve hot with your favorite garnishes.

Notes

Use quality smoked or spicy sausage for the best flavor.
Cook wild rice separately to maintain perfect texture and avoid mushiness.
Do not overcook potatoes; they should be tender but hold their shape.
Simmer chowder slowly to deepen flavors without breaking creaminess.
Adjust chowder thickness by adding more broth or cream as needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Soups
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 14 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: potato chowder, sausage chowder, wild rice soup, hearty soup, comfort food, creamy chowder, easy dinner recipe