Rustic Sauerkraut & Potato Chowder
Warm up on the coldest of nights with this hearty Rustic Sauerkraut & Potato Chowder, a family heirloom that fills your home with the enticing aroma of tradition. This delicious chowder melds tender russet potatoes, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy dairy into one comforting bowl. Even those who typically shy away from sauerkraut find themselves won over by its rich, savory depth! Perfect for a snowy evening, this versatile recipe can be adapted for meat-lovers or vegetarians, and vegan options are a breeze with simple ingredient swaps. Pair it with buttery crackers or enjoy it on its own – either way, it's sure to become a staple in your cold-weather cooking lineup. Plus, it tastes even more delightful the next day! Your taste buds will thank you.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
russet potatoes
3-4 large (peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
sauerkraut
1 (15 ounce) can
evaporated milk
1 (10 ounce) can
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (softened)
kielbasa
1 (1 lb) package (diced (optional for meat eaters))
water
sufficient to cover the potatoes
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling (if desired) and cutting the russet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large Dutch oven or soup pot and cover with water. Add the chopped onion to the pot.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
3
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain any excess water if necessary, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the sauerkraut, evaporated milk, and softened cream cheese to the pot. Stir well until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy.
4
If using kielbasa, add the diced sausage at this point. Stir well to combine.
5
Season the chowder generously with salt and pepper, tasting as you go. Remember that the tartness of the sauerkraut can be mellowed, so don’t hesitate to add more seasoning to balance flavors.
6
Cover the pot and let the chowder simmer on low heat for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside buttery crackers or crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Sauerkraut & Potato Chowder?
It is a hearty, traditional chowder that combines russet potatoes, tangy sauerkraut, and cream cheese for a comforting, savory meal.
What type of potatoes should I use?
The recipe recommends using 3-4 large russet potatoes.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional; you can peel them if desired before cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
How long do the potatoes need to boil?
Boil the potatoes and onions for approximately 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the base recipe is vegetarian as the kielbasa is listed as an optional ingredient.
Is there a vegan option for this chowder?
Yes, the recipe can be made vegan by swapping the evaporated milk and cream cheese for plant-based alternatives.
How much sauerkraut is needed?
You will need one 15-ounce can of sauerkraut.
What type of milk is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for one 10-ounce can of evaporated milk to provide a rich, creamy texture.
How much cream cheese should I add?
Add one 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese to the pot.
Why should the cream cheese be softened?
Softening the cream cheese allows it to be fully incorporated into the mixture more easily, ensuring a creamy consistency.
What is the optional meat for this chowder?
You can add one 1-lb package of diced kielbasa if you want a meatier version.
How much onion is required?
One medium onion, chopped, is added to the pot with the potatoes.
When do I season the soup?
Season the chowder with salt and pepper after the dairy and sauerkraut are incorporated, tasting as you go.
How do I balance the tartness of the sauerkraut?
You can mellow the tartness by adding more salt and pepper to balance the savory and tangy flavors.
How long does the chowder need to simmer?
The chowder should simmer on low heat for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What kind of pot should I use?
A large Dutch oven or a heavy soup pot is ideal for this recipe.
Do I need to drain the water after boiling the potatoes?
Yes, drain any excess water if necessary before adding the sauerkraut and dairy.
What is the best way to serve this chowder?
Serve it hot, garnished with fresh herbs, alongside buttery crackers or crusty bread.
Is this chowder good for leftovers?
Yes, it is noted that the flavors develop more and it tastes even more delightful the next day.
What is the texture of the chowder?
It is a rich and creamy chowder with tender potato chunks and tangy sauerkraut texture.
Is this recipe suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a perfect meal for snowy evenings and cold nights.
Can I add more potatoes?
The recipe suggests 3-4 large russet potatoes, which can be adjusted slightly based on the desired heartiness.
Should I stir the soup while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir occasionally while it simmers for 30 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients, including the optional kielbasa and seasonings.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chowder, sauerkraut, comfort food, potato soup, vegetarian, and winter recipes.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, it is described as a family heirloom tradition.
How do I prepare the kielbasa?
The kielbasa should be diced before being added to the pot.
How much water is used?
Use sufficient water to fully cover the potatoes in the pot.
Is the onion boiled with the potatoes?
Yes, the chopped onion is added to the pot and boiled alongside the potatoes.
Can I use different seasonings?
While salt and pepper are the primary seasonings, you can adjust them generously to match your taste buds.