Description

This creamy carrot chowder is a comforting, hearty soup perfect for any season. Featuring tender carrots and potatoes simmered in a flavorful broth, enriched with milk or cream, and optionally enhanced with cheddar cheese for extra creaminess. A simple yet delicious dish that is easy to prepare and customizable to your preference.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 tbsp butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 large carrots, peeled and diced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Optional Ingredients

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening, if needed)
Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

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Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
Cook the Veggies: Add the diced carrots and potatoes to the pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.
Blend (Optional): For a smoother chowder texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup directly in the pot. This step is optional—if you prefer a chunkier texture, you can leave the vegetables whole.
Make It Creamy: Stir in the whole milk or heavy cream along with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika if using. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors. If you desire a thicker chowder, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the soup. Cook until the chowder thickens slightly.
Cheesy Twist (Optional): If using cheddar cheese, turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it melts completely and creates a rich, creamy texture.
Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dish.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
You can adjust the thickness by adding more or less milk or broth based on your preference.
Smoked paprika adds a nice depth but can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the chowder without altering its flavor.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.