Hearty Seafood Chowder: A Taste of the Ocean in Every Spoonful

Dive into the rich, creamy world of seafood chowder with this delightful recipe that brings the flavors of the ocean right to your kitchen. Perfectly balanced with a medley of fresh seafood, hearty vegetables, and a touch of aromatic herbs, this chowder is sure to warm your soul. Ideal for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, it’s a dish that celebrates the bounties of the sea.

Ingredients:

  • Seafood:
    • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 1 pound scallops
    • 1 pound white fish (such as cod or haddock), cut into bite-sized pieces
    • 1 cup mussels or clams, cleaned and debearded (optional)
  • Vegetables:
    • 1 medium onion, diced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
    • 2 carrots, diced
    • 1 cup celery, diced
    • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • Liquids:
    • 4 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
    • 2 cups heavy cream
    • 1 cup white wine (optional)
  • Herbs & Spices:
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped, for garnish
  • Other:
    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Seafood:
    • If using mussels or clams, soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove sand. Rinse well and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics:
    • In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Cook the Potatoes:
    • Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the seafood stock and white wine (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
  4. Add the Seafood:
    • Stir in the shrimp, scallops, and white fish. If using mussels or clams, add them now as well. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the mussels or clams have opened.
  5. Create the Creamy Base:
    • Pour in the heavy cream, corn, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and allow the chowder to simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Serve:
    • Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or dill. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side for dipping.

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