Smoked sausage and poblanos are the hero of this hearty chowder that rests on a backbone of modified Holy Trinity and chicken stock and is further complimented by pulled rotisserie chicken among other surprising and not-so-surprising ingredients =)
5Poblano Peppers, wholeWill be charred, peeled, seeded, and diced after step 1 (see instructions)
2tbsp.Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Yellow or Sweet Onion, diced
2RibsCelery, diced
1Orange Bell Pepper, dicedCan use green for true Holy Trinity. We used what he had =)
¾ - 1lb.Smoked Sausage, slicedUser's choice on plain or flavored. You'll notice we used what we had here.
3ClovesGarlic, diced
2Green Onions, choppedTo the part where onion is fully green for soup. Save the tops for garnish.
1QuartChicken StockWe use Better than Bouillon
1canYellow or Sweet Corn, drainedApprox. 15.25 oz. can
1canFire Roasted Diced Tomatoes, drainedApprox. 14.5 oz. can
1canBlack Beans, drainedApprox. 14.5 oz. can
1 - 2cupsPulled Rotisserie ChickenNot absolutely necessary but was a good add and we had on hand to use up.
2Turnips, small to medium in sized, choppedCan peel if desired. We didn't.
1tsp.Chili Powder
1 tsp.Ground Cumin
2Bay Leaves
1Lime, juicedWe had to sub lime juice
⅓-½cupCilantro, choppedSave some for garnish if desired over green onion tops
12 - 16oz.Cream or Half and HalfOptional if making creamy soup. Can omit.
Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
Grill, broil, or otherwise char the poblanos on all sides. Set aside to cool. Prep the other veggies and come back to these to peel (the skin will be papery and relatively easy to remove), stem, remove seeds, and chop. On a medium heat grill this will take about 5 minutes per side.
Heat oil on medium heat in the Dutch Oven or Stock Pot. Saute onion, celery, and bell pepper for 8 - 10 minutes, stirring occasionally or until vegetables begin to soften.
Mix in the smoked sausage and cook another 4 - 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the garlic and green onion, mix well, and cook for another 2 - 3 minutes. NOTE: Burning the garlic shouldn't be an issue here with everything in the pan but always be mindful not to burn it.
Add the chicken stock and the remaining ingredients through the cilantro. Mix well. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 20 - 25 minutes, or until turnips have softened.
Optional: Add the cream or half and half and mix well. Ladle into bowls and top with green onion tops or extra cilantro and serve. Grind in some fresh black pepper, to taste.
Notes
Chowder can be enjoyed with or without the added half and half. Calorie calculation includes it.Pulled rotisserie chicken is optional as well but adds additional flavor and meatiness.Turnips could be subbed out for potatoes but we think they made a great addition to this chowder.For a thicker chowder make a roux by adding some flour, additional fat (oil or butter), and whisk the cream in slowly.
Keyword Black Beans, Chicken Stock, Corn, Fire Roasted Tomatoes, Hearty Soup, Poblano Peppers, Rotisserie Chicken, Smoked Sausage, Under 500 Calories