Recipe of the Month: Hearty Potato Chowder

The poor potato gets a bad reputation due to its starchy nature. Yes, potatoes contain some carbs. However, they are also rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Potatoes become less healthy when we turn them into fries or load them with sour cream, bacon, and cheese. Less healthy, but so worth it (once in a while)!

Potatoes are a hearty and affordable vegetable with a 10-pound bag costing approximately $6. You can make several great meals with 10 pounds of potatoes.

On cold winter days, few things are as tasty and comforting as potato chowder! Check out our recipe.

Potato fun facts:

• There are more than 4,000 varieties of potatoes worldwide
• The potato is the 5^th most important crop worldwide (after wheat, corn, rice, and sugar cane)
• The potato was the first domesticated root vegetable in the world, dating back to 8000 and 5000 BCE.
• In 1995, Potatoes became the first vegetable grown in space
• Potatoes come in a variety of colours, including red, purple, white, and yellow.

• 2tbs vegetable oil
• 2 medium onions (chopped)
• 2 ribs (sticks) of celery (diced)
• 2 carrots (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (or equivalent)
• 2 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper (more to taste)
• 4 tbsp flour (all purpose or gluten-free all purpose)
• 2 cups of milk of choice (dairy, coconut, cashew, oat, soy, etc.)
• 2.5 – 3 cups flavourful broth (vegetable or chicken)
• 6 - 8 medium potatoes (cut into ½ inch cubes)
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 bay leaf

• In a large saucepan, warm oil over medium heat
• Add celery, carrots, and onions
• Cook until softened or until onions are starting to brown (stirring constantly)
• Add garlic. Cook another 2 mins
• Add salt, pepper, and flour to pan. Stir to coat vegetables and cook 1-2 mins
• Slowly add milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
• Add ¾ of broth (keep some in reserve)
• Add potatoes, nutmeg, and bay leaf (or option seasoning)
• If using sauteed mushrooms, or corn, add at this stage
• Stir well, then let simmer for 30 mins or until potatoes are soft and breaking down.
• Adjust seasoning to taste and add additional broth if you would like the soup thinner
• Serve with toppings of choice