Smokey Bacon and Potato Chowder 🥓🥔
Overview:
This Bacon and Potato Chowder is the epitome of comfort food – hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for a chilly winter evening or whenever you’re craving a delicious one-pot meal that’s ready in under an hour. With a rich base of crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and aromatic onions and garlic, this chowder is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. So let’s get cooking!
Recipe Information:
- Name: Bacon and Potato Chowder
- Category: Chowders
- Keywords: One Dish Meal, Lunch/Snacks, Pork, Potato, Vegetable, Meat, Winter, < 60 Mins, Stove Top, Easy
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 188
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 8.6mg
- Sodium: 830.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 28.7g
- Fiber: 3.3g
- Sugar: 3.1g
- Protein: 5.3g
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 3 potatoes
- 3 cups water
- 3 chicken bouillon cubes
- 3 tablespoons flour
Instructions:
Step 1: Fry the Bacon
- Begin by frying the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown.
- Once the bacon is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat. Then, chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Saute the Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon drippings over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, and sauté them until they’re soft, fragrant, and lightly golden brown.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
- While the onions and garlic are cooking, peel the potatoes and dice them into small, bite-sized cubes.
- Once the onions and garlic are ready, add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the water and chicken bouillon cubes.
Step 4: Simmer the Chowder
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chowder simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and fully cooked.
- Once the potatoes are done, stir in the cooked bacon pieces, allowing them to infuse their smoky flavor into the chowder.
Step 5: Thicken the Chowder
- In a small bowl, mix the flour with a small amount of evaporated milk to create a smooth paste.
- Gradually stir in the remaining evaporated milk until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Pour this mixture into the pot with the potatoes and bacon, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.
- Continue cooking the chowder over medium heat until it comes to a gentle boil and thickens to your desired consistency, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Be sure to stir the chowder frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Once the chowder is thick and creamy, remove it from the heat and ladle it into bowls.
- Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
- Serve the bacon and potato chowder piping hot, accompanied by crusty bread or crackers for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to warm you from the inside out.
Conclusion:
With its savory bacon, tender potatoes, and creamy broth, this Bacon and Potato Chowder is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner option or planning a cozy night in with loved ones, this chowder is sure to hit the spot. So grab your ingredients and get cooking – a steaming bowl of homemade goodness awaits! 🍲🥄