Potato and Sausage Chowder

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
  
   Instructions

1. Cook Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving some drippings in the pot.

2. Sauté Vegetables: Add butter to the pot. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika, and cook for another minute.

3. Add Potatoes and Broth: Add diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

4. Make It Creamy: In a small bowl, whisk flour with a few tablespoons of heavy cream until smooth. Stir this mixture into the pot, followed by the remaining cream. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

5. Return Sausage: Stir the cooked sausage back into the chowder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

6. Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
   
   Cozy up with a bowl of this hearty Potato and Sausage Chowder! Packed with tender potatoes, flavorful sausage, and a creamy broth, it’s the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. Perfect for family dinners or a warm lunch. Enjoy!