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Creamy Pumpkin and Bacon Chowder
Diced bacon renders first, leaving fat in the pot for the onions to soften in before curry powder and flour go in to build the base. A one-pound pie pumpkin and two cubed potatoes simmer in chicken broth until tender, then half-and-half stirs through to finish the chowder. The flour prevents the dairy from breaking, keeping the texture smooth throughout. Serves 6 in about 70 minutes — a complete meal on its own with bread on the side.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Stovetop
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. bacon, diced
- 2 c. onion, chopped
- 2 t. curry powder
- 2 T. all-purpose flour
- 1-lb. pie pumpkin, peeled, seeded and chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 c. chicken broth
- 1 c. half-and-half
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1Toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet and slice the green onions for the garnish. Set them aside.
- 2Cook the diced bacon in a large stockpot over medium heat for 5 minutes until browned. Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 10 minutes until softened.
- 3Sprinkle the curry powder and flour over the bacon and onions. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth. Stirring constantly prevents the flour from burning.
- 4Stir the chopped pumpkin, cubed potatoes, and chicken broth into the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- 5Pour in the half-and-half, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for 5 more minutes, making sure the soup doesn't reach a boil. Boiling can cause the dairy to curdle. Ladle into bowls and top with the pumpkin seeds and green onions.
Notes
- Prep tip: Peeling and chopping a fresh pie pumpkin takes some effort. A sharp vegetable peeler or paring knife works best to remove the tough outer skin.
- Storage: Keep leftover chowder in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, being careful not to let it boil.
- Swap: If you can't find a fresh pie pumpkin, butternut squash makes an excellent substitute with a very similar texture and flavor.
Recipe Details
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