After-Thanksgiving Turkey, Sweet Potato and Bacon Chowder

The After-Thanksgiving Turkey, Sweet Potato, and Bacon Chowder is a delicious soup that’s perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers. Here’s a detailed response to all your questions:

What is it?
After-Thanksgiving Turkey, Sweet Potato, and Bacon Chowder is a hearty and creamy soup made with leftover Thanksgiving turkey, sweet potatoes, bacon, and various vegetables. It’s a comforting dish that combines the flavors of Thanksgiving with the warmth of a chowder.

History:
This dish is a creation of home cooks looking to make the most of their Thanksgiving leftovers. It’s not associated with a specific historical origin but is a part of the larger tradition of repurposing Thanksgiving leftovers into creative and delicious meals.

Components:
The key components of this chowder typically include:

1. Leftover Thanksgiving turkey, shredded or diced.
2. Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced.
3. Bacon, cooked and crumbled.
4. Onion, celery, and carrots, diced for flavor and texture.
5. Chicken or turkey broth for the base.
6. Heavy cream or milk for creaminess.
7. Seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs (thyme or rosemary) for flavor.

Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a basic outline of the steps to prepare After-Thanksgiving Turkey, Sweet Potato, and Bacon Chowder:

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté diced onions, celery, and carrots in a bit of oil or butter until they become soft and fragrant.

2. Add Sweet Potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot and sauté for a few more minutes.

3. Add Broth: Pour in enough chicken or turkey broth to cover the vegetables and sweet potatoes. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender.

4. Add Turkey and Bacon: Stir in the shredded or diced leftover turkey and the crumbled bacon. Let it simmer together for a few more minutes to heat through.

5. Creamy Base: Pour in heavy cream or milk to create a creamy base for the chowder. Simmer until everything is heated through and the soup has thickened slightly.

6. Season: Season the chowder with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices for flavor.

7. Serve: Ladle the chowder into bowls, garnish with additional bacon bits, and perhaps some chopped fresh herbs if you like.

Time Needed to Prepare:
The total time needed to prepare this chowder depends on your cooking skills and the quantity you’re making. On average, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. The key time-consuming factor is usually the simmering to cook the sweet potatoes until they are tender. Overall, it’s a relatively simple and satisfying dish to make with Thanksgiving leftovers.

Enjoy your After-Thanksgiving Turkey, Sweet Potato, and Bacon Chowder! It’s a wonderful way to savor the flavors of Thanksgiving for days to come.

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for After-Thanksgiving Turkey, Sweet Potato, and Bacon Chowder:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Serving):

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 20-25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 3-4 grams
• Sugars: 5-7 grams
• Total Fat: 18-22 grams
• Saturated Fat: 8-10 grams
• Cholesterol: 60-70 mg
• Sodium: 800-1000 mg
• Vitamin A: 150-200% DV
• Vitamin C: 15-20% DV
• Calcium: 10-15% DV
• Iron: 10-15% DV

Health Information:

1. Protein: This chowder provides a decent amount of protein, primarily from the turkey. Protein is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.

2. Carbohydrates: The sweet potatoes and vegetables in the chowder contribute to the carbohydrate content. Carbohydrates are a primary source of energy for your body.

3. Dietary Fiber: The dietary fiber comes from the vegetables and sweet potatoes. It aids in digestion and helps you feel full, which can be beneficial for portion control.

4. Fats: The chowder contains some fats, including saturated fat from the bacon and cream. While fats are a necessary part of your diet, it’s important to consume them in moderation, especially saturated fats.

5. Vitamins: This chowder is rich in vitamin A, thanks to the sweet potatoes. Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and immune function. It also provides a moderate amount of vitamin C, which supports the immune system.

6. Minerals: You’ll find essential minerals like calcium and iron in this dish. Calcium is important for bone health, and iron is necessary for oxygen transport in your body.

7. Sodium: Be mindful of the sodium content, as it can be relatively high due to the bacon and broth. High sodium intake is associated with increased blood pressure, so it’s advisable to watch your overall sodium intake.

As with any meal, moderation is key. While this chowder is a flavorful way to use Thanksgiving leftovers, it’s important to balance it with a variety of other nutrient-rich foods to maintain a well-rounded and healthy diet.