Parsnip chowder with squash

6 servings

Ingredients

Quantity Ingredient
1 pounds Parsnips
1 pounds Butternut squash or sweet potatoes
4 Strips bacon
1 medium Onion, finely chopped
2 Stalks celery, finely chopped
3 tablespoons Flour
5 cups Chicken stock
Bouquet garni of bay leaf, thyme and parsley
1 Cinnamon stick
1 cup Heavy cream
Salt
Freshly ground white pepper
Cayenne pepper
Freshly grated nutmeg
3 tablespoons Chopped fresh chives

Directions

"Chowder originated as fish stew. But in areas where seafood was unavailable, resourceful Americans used vegetables. This recipe comes from....Rich Spencer, a chef in the Mount Washington Valley." Peel the parsnips and squash (or sweet potatoes) and cut each into ¼ inch dice. Cut the bacon into ¼-inch strips and render it in a large saucepan. When the bacon pieces are lightly browned, transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to dry. Discard all but 3 tablespoons af the rendered fat.

Add the onion and celery to the pan and cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, until soft but not browned. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux. Whisk in the chicken stock and bring to a boil: the mixture will thicken slightly.

Add the bouquet garni, cinnamon stick, parsnips and squash. Simmer the chowder for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but not soft. Stir in the cream, salt, pepper, cayenne and nutmeg.

Just before serving, remove the bouquet garni and cinnamon stick.

Ladle the chowder into bowls and sprinkle each with chopped chives and nutmeg.

Serves 6 to 8.

[Steven Raichlin; The Baltimore Sun, Sept 22, 1991] Posted by Fred Peters.

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