Spicy Italian Christmas Chowder

Italian sausage and seasoned canned tomatoes lend the Italian taste to this rich and colorful chowder.

COOK TIME
25 

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (2 cloves)
• 5 cups water
• 4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced Italian-style tomatoes with herbs, undrained
• 4 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
• 1 package Pioneer Country Gravy Mix (2.75 ounces)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup finely shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

Preparation

• 1 In large saucepan, cook and stir sausage, onion, celery and garlic over medium heat until onion is tender and sausage is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain, if desired.
• 2 Stir in water, potatoes, tomatoes and bouillon; heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Return to boiling.
• 3 In 4-cup glass measure, dissolve Pioneer Country Gravy Mix in milk; stir into boiling mixture. Cook and stir until thickened.
• 4 Stir in cheese and spinach; reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes or until cheese is melted and spinach is heated through.
• 5 Makes 6 to 8 servings. Serve with Basil Biscuits.