Smoked Turkey and Bacon Chowder with Pumpernickel and Cranberry Croutons

Ingredients for Smoked Turkey and Bacon Chowder with Pumpernickel and Cranberry Croutons

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 4 smoked turkey drumsticks (4 to 2.0kg total)

• 475ml chopped applewood-smoked bacon (about 275g ), divided

• 900g russet potatoes, peeled, diced

• 500g chopped onions

• 525g chopped celery

• 400g chopped carrots

• 12 large garlic cloves, peeled

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2875ml (or more) low-salt chicken broth

• Cayenne pepper

• 24 pearl onions

• 24 small fresh brussels sprouts

• Very thin strips of fresh sage

• Pumpernickel and Cranberry Croutons

How to make Smoked Turkey and Bacon Chowder with Pumpernickel and Cranberry Croutons

Heat oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add turkey; sauté until brown on all sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer to plate. Add 240ml bacon to pot; stir 1 minute. Add next 5 ingredients. Sauté until vegetables begin to soften, about 15 minutes. Mix in tomato paste. Add 2875ml broth; return turkey to pot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer until turkey and vegetables are very tender, about 45 minutes.

Transfer turkey to large plate; cool. Cut meat into bite-size pieces, discarding all skin, bones, and tendons. Working in batches, puree chowder in processor until smooth. Return puree to same pot; add diced turkey. Thin chowder with more broth by 60ml fuls if too thick. Season with cayenne, salt, and pepper. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 days ahead. Chill uncovered until cold, then cover and keep chilled. Rewarm before serving.

Cook onions and brussels sprouts in pan of boiling salted water until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain; peel onions. Cut onions and brussels sprouts in half through core. do ahead Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.

Sauté 240ml bacon in skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to paper towels. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon drippings. Add onions and brussels sprouts to skillet. Toss until heated through.

Ladle chowder into bowls. Top with onions, brussels sprouts, bacon, and fresh sage. Serve Croutons alongside or on top of chowder.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.