Southwestern Turkey Chowder

It is the 5th of December and we still haven’t had any snow or even cold weather yet. The coolest it has been is in the mid 50’s. This is very unusual for us at this time of year. Despite the warmer weather though, I just felt like making some chowder. Besides, I wanted to use up some more of my turkey leftovers from Thanksgiving too. Maybe I am channeling the cooler weather by making a thick, warm, hearty chowder. I don’t know. What I do know is that my chowder came out delicious. I just had some more for lunch as well. 🙂

Southwestern Turkey Chowder

4-5 cups cooked turkey, diced

3 celery stalks, diced

1-1 1/2 cups pumpkin, diced

1 onion, diced

2 TBSP garlic

1 cup corn

1 bell pepper, diced

1 potato diced

3-4 roasted Hatch chilies, diced

1 cup dry sausage, quartered, optional

olive oil + butter for cooking + lime olive oil (optional)

1 cup flour

8 cups turkey or chicken broth

salt & pepper to taste

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp Aleppo chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp sage

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/3 cup chopped cilantro

Get the oils and butter hot in a large pot, then add the celery, onions, corn, potatoes, pumpkin and bell pepper. Saute for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Add the flour and incorporate well, to make it like a vegetable roux. Then add the rest of the ingredients and the stock, except for the cream and the cilantro. Mix everything together well. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Continue to cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the cream and a bit more flour, depending on your desired thickness, and incorporate well. Once again, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and continue to cook for about 20 minutes.

Add the cilantro and mix well, then serve. I stuck with the Southwestern theme and made some bacon-green onion corn muffins and honey butter to go with my chowder. It all went perfectly well with a rich, buttery chardonnay to complete the meal.

I think my channeling for cooler weather worked. Today is already cooler, and it will be even cooler again tomorrow. WHOOOO HOOOOOOO!!!!! Now all we need is some snow.

Happy Holidays Everyone. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.