Indulge in Zupas Garden Chowder: A Twist on Christmas Chowder

Get ready to enjoy a bowl of Zupas Garden Chowder - the perfect twist on the traditional Christmas chowder. Packed with seasonal flavors and fresh ingredients, this delectable soup combines the richness of creamy potatoes, the sweetness of roasted corn, and the warmth of fragrant herbs, all beautifully blended to create a symphony of flavors. 

The History and Origins of Christmas Chowder

Zupas Cafe is a wonderful little cafe here in Utah with other stores starting to pop up in other states. It has a Panera Bread vibe but I love that they offer you a chocolate covered strawberry and a piece of bread with every meal.  

Chowders have been a popular dish during the holiday season for centuries. The word "chowder" originated from the French word "chaudière," which refers to a large cooking pot used to prepare hearty meals. In the early days, Christmas chowder was a simple and practical dish made from leftovers, such as fish, potatoes, and vegetables. It was a way to stretch the ingredients and create a delicious and filling meal for the family.

Over time, Christmas chowder evolved and took on different variations, depending on the region. In New England, for example, clam chowder became a staple during the holiday season. The creamy and rich soup was often enjoyed on Christmas Eve.

What Makes Zupas Garden Chowder Unique?

Zupas Garden Chowder stands out from the crowd with its unique blend of flavors and fresh ingredients. Unlike traditional chowders, which often rely on heavy cream and butter, Zupas Garden Chowder takes a lighter approach without compromising on taste.

One of the key ingredients that sets Zupas Garden Chowder apart is the use of garden-fresh vegetables. Each spoonful of this delightful soup is packed with the goodness of zucchini, onion, tomatoes and herbs.

Another distinguishing feature of Zupas Garden Chowder is the addition of roasted corn. The sweetness of the corn complements the savory flavors of the soup, creating a delightful balance of taste. The corn kernels add a satisfying crunch and a burst of freshness.

To get started, you'll need to gather these ingredients:

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis, diced into very small thin bite sized pieces
• 1 yellow onion, very thinly diced into small bite sized pieces
• 2 tablespoon parsley, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil--use dried basil here, you don't want to overwhelm the chowder with fresh basil. You want a very subtle basil flavor.
• ⅓ cup butter (can substitute dairy free butter)
• ⅓ cup unbleached all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2-3 tomatoes, diced into very small bites sized pieces or 1 14oz can petite diced tomatoes
• 1 12 ounce can evaporated milk (can use whole milk as a substitute or dairy free evaporated milk)
• 1 14 ounce can corn, or 1 cup fresh corn,
• ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese (can substitute dairy free cheese)
• 2 cups cooked diced chicken or turkey (optional)
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese (can substitute reduced fat or dairy free cheese)

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, stir the onion, zucchini, parsley, basil and butter on medium heat until vegetables are tender.
2. In a separate pan on medium heat, place the corn and cook on medium heat until grilled. Stir occasionally. Continue cooking until corn is grilled. Alternately you can grill the corn under a broiler too.
3. Add in the flour, salt and pepper and continue to stir until combined. Slowly add in the vegetable or chicken broth and the lemon juice and stir until mixed. Bring the mixture to a boil for two minutes, or until mixture thickens slightly.
4. Add in the tomatoes, milk, and grilled corn. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low, cover and stir in the cheese and chicken Allow cheese to melt before serving. Stir to combine the cheese.

Pairing Zupas Garden Chowder with Other Festive Dishes

Zupas Garden Chowder pairs beautifully with a variety of festive dishes, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal. Here are some suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

1. Crusty Bread: Serve Zupas Garden Chowder with a warm loaf of crusty bread for a comforting and filling meal. The bread can be used to soak up the creamy soup, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor.

2. Holiday Salad: Balance the richness of Zupas Garden Chowder with a refreshing holiday salad. Combine mixed greens, cranberries, nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette for a burst of freshness that complements the flavors of the chowder.

3. Homemade Croutons: A handful of garlic butter croutons would taste amazing on top of this soup!

4. Potluck: A night of Zupas soup sampling would make for a fun family or friend potluck idea! In addition to the garden chowder you could serve some Zupa's Caribbean Pumpkin Coconut Soup or our family favorite Zupa's Chicken Enchilada Chili Soup!

Tips for Serving and Garnishing Zupas Garden Chowder

To make your Zupas Garden Chowder even more visually appealing and flavorful, consider these tips for serving and garnishing:

1. Serve in Bread Bowls: For a unique twist, hollow out small round bread loaves and use them as edible bowls for your chowder. This adds an element of fun and allows guests to enjoy every last drop of the soup.

2. Fresh Herbs: Garnish the chowder with freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives, to add a pop of color and freshness. The herbs also enhance the aroma of the soup, making it even more enticing.

3. Crispy Bacon Bits: For an indulgent touch, sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the chowder. The smoky and salty flavor of the bacon complements the creamy soup, adding a delightful crunch.

4. Croutons: Top the chowder with homemade croutons for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Simply cube some bread, toss it with grated cheese, and bake until golden and crispy.

Where to Find Zupas Garden Chowder During the Holiday Season

Zupas Garden Chowder is available at select Zupas locations during the holiday season. Check the Zupas website or contact your local Zupas restaurant for availability and ordering options. You can dine in or take it to go.

Storing and reheating

1. Storage: Allow the chowder to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure the container is suitable for freezing.
2. Refrigeration: Place the container in the refrigerator and store it for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it for better preservation.
3. Freezing (optional): If you want to freeze the chowder for longer-term storage, ensure it is in a freezer-safe container. Leave some headspace to allow for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Also note because the recipe contains cream there may be some separation after thawing.
4. Thawing: When ready to reheat, remove the chowder from the freezer and transfer it to the refrigerator. Allow it to thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave to thaw it more quickly.
5. Reheating: There are a couple of ways to reheat the chowder:
   • Stovetop: Pour the thawed or refrigerated chowder into a saucepan or pot. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Continue heating until it reaches your desired temperature.
   • Microwave: If reheating a smaller portion, you can use the microwave. Transfer a portion of the chowder to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely to prevent splattering. Heat in short intervals, stirring between each interval, until it is thoroughly heated.
   • Note: Be cautious while reheating to avoid overcooking or burning the chowder.
6. Serving: Once the chowder is heated to your liking, it's ready to be served. Consider garnishing it with fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream, or grated cheese for added flavor.

Zupas Garden Chowder -- Christmas Chowder

Packed with seasonal flavors and fresh ingredients, this delectable soup combines the richness of creamy potatoes, the sweetness of roasted corn, and the warmth of fragrant herbs, all beautifully blended to create a symphony of flavors. 

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Course Soup

Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

  

• 2 medium zucchinis diced into very small thin bite sized pieces
• 1 yellow onion very thinly diced into small bite sized pieces
• 2 tablespoon parsley diced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil--use dried basil here you don't want to overwhelm the chowder with fresh basil. You want a very subtle basil flavor.
• ⅓ cup butter can substitute dairy free butter
• ⅓ cup unbleached all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2-3 tomatoes diced into very small bites sized pieces or 1 14oz can petite diced tomatoes
• 1 12 ounce can evaporated milk can use whole milk as a substitute or dairy free evaporated milk
• 1 14 ounce can corn or 1 cup fresh corn,
• ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese can substitute dairy free cheese
• 2 cups cooked diced chicken or turkey optional
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese can substitute reduced fat or dairy free cheese

Instructions

 

• In a saucepan, stir the onion, zucchini, parsley, basil and butter on medium heat until vegetables are tender.
• In a separate pan on medium heat, place the corn and cook on medium heat until grilled. Stir occasionally. Continue cooking until corn is grilled. Alternately you can grill the corn under a broiler too.
• Add in the flour, salt and pepper and continue to stir until combined. Slowly add in the vegetable or chicken broth and the lemon juice and stir until mixed. Bring the mixture to a boil for two minutes, or until mixture thickens slightly.
• Add in the tomatoes, milk, and grilled corn. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low, cover and stir in the cheese and chicken Allow cheese to melt before serving. Stir to combine the cheese.

Keyword christmas chowder, condensed soup, copycat recipes, garden chowder, zupas

Recipe adapted from What's For Dinner?