Ingredients
Meat
- 3 ounces smoked turkey bacon, thinly sliced or diced
Vegetables
- 1 cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped carrot
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2½ pounds medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cups chopped fresh kale
Dairy
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 cup half-and-half cream, warmed
Liquids
- 5 cups chicken broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried sage leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnishes
- Roasted pepitas, for garnish
- Minced fresh sage, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the smoked turkey: Place a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced smoked turkey bacon and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned and crisp. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, carrot, celery and 2 tablespoons butter to the pot. Cook for 9–10 minutes until softened and beginning to brown. Add garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds. Transfer the vegetables to a small bowl.
- Cook the sweet potatoes: Add the remaining 3 tablespoons butter to the pot. Once melted, add the sweet potatoes and stir to coat. Sauté for 7–8 minutes to develop flavor.
- Simmer: Add chicken broth, salt, sage, thyme, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes and black pepper. Return the sautéed vegetables to the pot and add 2 tablespoons of the cooked smoked turkey. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add the cream and kale: Whisk a little hot broth into the warmed half-and-half cream to temper it, then slowly pour the mixture into the pot while stirring. Add the chopped kale and continue to simmer for another 4–5 minutes until the kale is wilted and tender.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the chowder from heat. Ladle into bowls and top with the remaining crispy smoked turkey bacon, roasted pepitas, and minced fresh sage if using. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, smoky comfort food.
Notes
- To keep the bacon crispy, set it aside on paper towels to drain excess fat immediately after cooking.
- You can substitute smoked turkey bacon with regular bacon if preferred, but this will alter the flavor profile slightly.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level in the chowder.
- For a dairy-free version, swap half-and-half with coconut cream and use vegan butter.
- Roasted pepitas add a crunchy contrast but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
