Butternut Squash Chowder

I don’t know about you but it’s soup season at our house! It’s so fun experimenting with different flavors and textures. Today, I’m bringing you a creamy Butternut Squash Chowder recipe. Bursting with flavor and nutrition, it's an excellent choice for frigid winter nights. It also features Chicken Bone Broth Collagen powder for added gut and immune support. 

Chowders are a type of stew thought to have originated in coastal towns around the 16th century. At the time, local fishermen added some of their catch to a community soup that everyone shared. This dairy free chowder is a modern, hearty and flavorful soup that is The Myers Way® approved!

Benefits of Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a seasonal, hearty food ideal for all your favorite fall or winter dishes. While typically prepared as a vegetable, butternut squash is technically a fruit! Low in calories but rich in nutrients, it offers a mildly sweet and nutty flavor that goes well in soups, curries, casseroles, and more. 

It might not surprise you to know there are several benefits of butternut squash. Take their high fiber content, for example. Fiber feeds beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can promote healthy digestion. Adequate fiber intake also supports healthy blood sugar levels and heart function. 

The other benefits of butternut squash are how rich in antioxidants they are. Did you know one cup of cooked butternut squash contains over 400% of your daily vitamin A? Vitamin A is important for healthy vision, bones, and immunity. The antioxidants in butternut squash protect cells from free radical damage, supporting longevity and a more youthful appearance. This butternut squash chowder not only tastes great, but it also helps you look and feel your best!

Chicken Bone Broth

Bone broth is often hailed as the ultimate protector of gut and immunity. It’s true that it offers impressive health benefits. However, many bone broths contain added fillers or flavors. Not so with my Chicken Bone Broth Collagen. Sourced from organic, pasture-raised chickens, this bone broth powder offers the purest, most exceptional nutrition available! It’s an absolute must for this butternut squash chowder. 

Bone broth collagen proteins soothe and repair the gut lining. This can repair a leaky gut and encourage optimal gut barrier function. A healthy gut also supports a healthy immune system. After all, over 80% of your immune cells live in your gut. 

I mix three scoops of Chicken Bone Broth Collagen with filtered water to create a rich, savory base for this dairy free chowder. The mild chicken flavor balances out the earthy notes of sage and the sweeter taste of nutmeg. It’s a mouthwatering fusion of flavors you won’t be able to resist!

Nitrate Free Bacon

Bacon makes everything better. However, most commercial bacon contains chemical compounds called nitrates. Nitrates act as preservatives, yet they carry a dark side to them. In fact, there’s growing concern about their role in causing health problems. Some of the main concerns involve heart disease, thyroid issues, and even cancer.

When looking for bacon as a garnish or any other dish, look for nitrate free bacon. Some bacon brands labeled “uncured” contain natural sources of nitrate, such as celery or sea salt. It may be harder to find, but nitrate free bacon is always a better choice!

How To Make Butternut Squash Chowder

Ready to make this delectable seasonal soup? Start by placing a large pot or Dutch oven on the stove. Heat it up over medium heat and dice up your nitrate free bacon. Add it to the pot and cook until crispy. Once ready, remove the bacon and set aside. Keep the bacon fat in the pot. This will give our dairy free chowder extra flavor! 

Dice up your onion and add it to the pot. Sauté for about five minutes or until translucent. Next, add your garlic, sea salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another minute or two until fragrant. Now it’s time to add the fresh sage and nutmeg. Stir to incorporate the ingredients. Finally, add your chopped carrots and butternut squash.

Now, let’s create that gut and immune-boosting broth! Pour five cups of water into the pot, followed by three scoops of Chicken Bone Broth Collagen. Use a whisk or spoon to make sure the broth dissolves completely.

Once you bring everything to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the vegetables are tender. Once tender, stir in the coconut cream. Lastly, add the chopped kale and simmer for another seven minutes until wilted and tender. Your dairy free chowder is now ready to serve.

Ladle out this delicious butternut squash chowder into your favorite bowl and garnish with the bacon pieces and sage. Enjoy!

Did you know you can also use Chicken Bone Broth Collagen to create a healthy and nutritious pasta sauce? It’s true! See how I incorporate it into this Gluten Free Pumpkin Pasta dish.