Hot Italian Sausage and Corn Chowder

The official start of fall is just around the corner. I love the crisp air in the morning, and the anticipation of all that fall brings.  When the temperature starts to fall a little I'm ready to make my first pot of soup for the season.  I tend to make heartier soups because in my family "soup is not a meal." That is a quote from my husband Dan.  This Italian Sausage and Corn Chowder is a crowd pleaser.  If you are making this for kids or a crowd that your not sure if they like spicy foods definitely use the Sweet Italian Sausage.  But, if your not afraid of a little heat try the spicy, it is delicious. 

Hot Italian Sausage & Corn Chowder

1  pound hot Italian Sausage (use Sweet if you don't like spicy food)

1  medium onion, finely chopped

4  garlic cloves, minced

1/4  cup flour

2  cups chicken broth

4  cups half & half

3/4  teaspoon thyme

1  teaspoon basil

1/2  teaspoon marjoram

1/2  teaspoon oregano

1/4  teaspoon red pepper flakes

1  red bell pepper chopped

1/3 cup celery, finely chopped

1/3 cup carrot, shredded

2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch dice (about 2 cups)

1 1/2 cups frozen corn

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

green onions, sliced for garnish

Cook sausage in a dutch oven over medium heat until browned.  Remove sausage from dutch oven and set aside.  Drain excess grease leaving about 1 tablespoon.  Add onion and saute 3-4 minutes until tender. Add garlic and saute another minute.  Add flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.  

Slowly whisk in chicken broth and half & half.  Bring to a simmer. Add thyme, basil, marjoram, oregano and red pepper flakes. 

Add red pepper, celery, carrot and potatoes.  Return the sausage to the dutch oven.  Continue simmering for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. 

Add corn and continuing simmering 5 minutes or until the corn is tender.

Season with salt and pepper.  

Ladle into bowls and garnish with sliced green onion.

Enjoy!

Kim


Linked to the following parties:
Gooseberry Patch Soup and Stew Round Up
Six Sisters' Stuff Strut Your Stuff Saturday
Mandy's Recipe Box Totally Tasty Tuesdays