Cheesy Vegetable Chowder: A Comforting and Nutritious Soup Delight
1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt 3 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
2. Add Potatoes & Celery Root: Stir in potatoes, celery root, chicken broth, thyme, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
3. Steam Broccoli & Cauliflower: In a separate pan, steam broccoli and cauliflower florets for 3-5 minutes until slightly tender. Set aside.
4. Make Roux: In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoon butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and half-and-half until smooth and thickened.
5. Combine & Heat: Pour the milk mixture into the pot with the vegetables. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Add Cheese: Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Add Broccoli & Cauliflower: Gently fold in the steamed broccoli and cauliflower. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until heated through.
8. Serve: Ladle chowder into bowls and enjoy warm.
To elevate your Cheesy Vegetable Chowder even further, consider these expert tips:
Cheese Choice: While medium cheddar is a classic, you can experiment with sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend of cheeses to add depth of flavor.
Seasoning Adjustments: Tailor the seasonings to your taste preferences, adding more salt, pepper, or a pinch of cayenne for a touch of heat.
Dietary Modifications: To make this chowder dairy-free, substitute the milk and half-and-half with unsweetened almond or oat milk. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage and Reheating: Leftover chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
Keywords: cheesy vegetable chowder, soup, comfort food
Find it online: https://www.basterecipes.com/cheesy-vegetable-chowder/