Broccoli, Red Pepper & Cheddar Chowder

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2005
Broccoli, Red Pepper & Cheddar Chowder
Tue, 04-08-2008 - 8:39am

This was so good...my SB alterations are in red!


broccoli, red pepper, and cheddar chowder


Gourmet |  December 2001









 





BROCCOLI, RED PEPPER, AND CHEDDAR CHOWDER



Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 45 min


Servings: Makes about 6 cups or 4 servings



Ingredients1 small head broccoli (1/2 lb) (I doubled this)
1 large boiling potato (1/2 lb) (eliminate or use white sweet potato)
1 large onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
l large garlic clove, finely chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (smart balance)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (whole wheat)
3/4 cup heavy cream (used 12oz can of evaporated skim milk)
6 oz sharp Cheddar, coarsely grated (1 1/2 cups)  (used Kraft 2% extra sharp white cheddar)



PreparationDiscard tough lower third of broccoli stem. Peel remaining stem and finely chop. Cut remaining broccoli into very small (1-inch) florets. Cook florets in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking, then drain. Reserve 3 cups cooking water for chowder. (I steamed the broccoli in the microwave to save time and then used 3 cups of broth for the soup)

Peel potato and cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Cook potato, onion, bell pepper, broccoli stems, and garlic in butter in a 3- to 4-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Add cumin, salt, pepper, and mustard and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add flour and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add reserved cooking water and simmer (partially covered), stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in cream and cheese and cook, stirring, until cheese is melted, then season with salt and pepper.

Purée about 2 cups of chowder in a blender until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids) and return to pot. Add florets and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 2 minutes.

new-4.jpg picture by dheimbecker

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