Seafood Chowder
A rich and creamy soup brimming with tender fish, shrimp, and clams, simmered with smoky bacon and hearty potatoes. This comforting classic is a taste of the seaside in a bowl, perfect for a chilly evening.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the bacon and sauté the aromatics.
- b.In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- c.Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- d.Add the butter to the pot and let it melt. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
- e.Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the chowder base and simmer the potatoes.
- b.Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- c.Gradually whisk in the clam juice and fish stock until the mixture is smooth.
- d.Add the diced potatoes, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- e.Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 12-15 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add the seafood and finish with cream.
- b.Gently add the cod and smoked haddock chunks to the pot. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the fish begins to flake.
- c.Add the shrimp and cook until they are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Avoid overcooking.
- d.Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and the reserved crispy bacon.
- e.Heat through gently for 1-2 minutes, but do not allow the chowder to boil.
- f.Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- 4
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot
- a.This chowder is excellent with oyster crackers or crusty bread for dipping.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use a mix of seafood. Scallops or mussels are also great additions.
- 2Do not boil the chowder after adding the cream, as it can cause the cream to curdle.
- 3To ensure the seafood is tender, add it at the very end of the cooking process as it cooks very quickly.
- 4If the chowder is too thick, you can thin it with a little more stock or milk.
- 5Chowder often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, or omit the flour and thicken the soup with a cornstarch slurry (2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) at the end.
dairy freeDairy free
Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute, and replace the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk for a creamy finish.
low carbLow carb
Substitute the potatoes with an equal amount of chopped cauliflower florets and omit the flour. The chowder will be slightly thinner but still delicious.
spicySpicy
Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the garlic to give the chowder a gentle, warming heat.
