- Grated cheddar cheese (for topping and blending into the soup)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Bay leaves
- Thyme
- Olive oil
Optimize your recipe SEO by including these ingredients in your content, using them within titles, headings, and throughout the description. This helps search engines understand the context of your content better, making it easier for people searching for "cheesy vegetable chowder" or similar keywords to find your recipe.
Steps
### Cheesy Vegetable Chowder Recipe: A Hearty Comfort Food
#### Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
#### Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
### Step-by-Step Guide:
1. **Prepare Ingredients:**
- Begin by gathering your ingredients and washing the vegetables.
- Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, and zucchini into appropriate sizes.
2. **Cooking the Aromatics:**
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. **Add Vegetables:**
- Stir in carrots, celery, potatoes, zucchini, and corn.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
4. **Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes:**
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, followed by diced tomatoes (with their juice).
- Add thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. **Blend for Texture:**
- If you prefer a creamier texture, use an immersion blender or transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, blend until smooth.
- Return the blended soup back to the pot and stir well.
6. **Add Cream and Cheese:**
- Stir in heavy cream and let it heat up without boiling.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup has thickened slightly.
7. **Serve Hot:**
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
8. **Enjoy Your Meal:**
- Serve this hearty chowder hot, perhaps alongside some crusty bread or a side salad to complete your meal.
### SEO Tips:
- Use keywords like "cheesy vegetable chowder," "hearty comfort food," and "recipe" in the content.
- Include descriptive phrases such as "cooked onions," "tender vegetables," and "rich flavor."
- Use bullet points for easy navigation.
- End with a call-to-action encouraging readers to try the recipe.
This detailed guide ensures your chowder is both comforting and delicious, perfect for any meal. Enjoy creating this delightful dish!