Seafood chowder is a rich, creamy soup that’s loaded with delicious seafood, making it a hearty and comforting dish. It’s perfect for any seafood lover looking to enjoy a warm, filling meal, especially on chilly evenings.
๐ Ingredients:
- ๐ฆ 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ๐ 1/2 pound firm white fish (like cod or halibut), cubed
- ๐ฆ 1/2 pound scallops
- ๐ฅ 4 slices bacon, chopped
- ๐ง 1 large onion, chopped
- ๐ฅ 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- ๐ฅ 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- ๐ฝ 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- ๐ง 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ๐ 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- ๐ฅ 4 cups seafood or fish stock
- ๐ฅ 2 cups heavy cream
- ๐ง Salt and black pepper to taste
- ๐ฟ 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ๐ฟ 2 bay leaves
- ๐ฟ Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
๐ Directions:
1. Cook the Bacon and Vegetables:
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Add the onion, carrots, and garlic to the pot and sautรฉ until the onions are translucent and the carrots start to soften, about 5 minutes.
2. Thicken the Soup:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the seafood stock, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are almost tender, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Add Seafood:
- Add the shrimp, scallops, and white fish to the pot. Simmer gently until the seafood is just cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the seafood.
4. Finish the Chowder:
- Stir in the corn and heavy cream. Heat through, but do not boil, as the cream may curdle. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves.
5. Serve:
- Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon and fresh parsley.
๐ฝ Serve:
Enjoy your seafood chowder hot, accompanied by crusty bread or oyster crackers for dipping into the creamy, flavorful broth.
โฑ Preparation Time: 20 minutes
โฑ Cooking Time: 30 minutes
๐ฝ Servings: 6 servings
๐ก Notes:
- Feel free to vary the seafood based on availability and preference. Clams or mussels can also be a great addition.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or a light cream.
This seafood chowder is a delicious way to enjoy a variety of seafood in one dish, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to warm you up! ๐ฒโจ