Nothing quite warms the soul like a comforting bowl of hearty and creamy fish chowder. This classic dish is perfect for cozy evenings at home, bringing together the flavors of tender fish, potatoes, and vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a nourishing meal, this fish chowder recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Fish Chowder
Ingredients:
– 1 lb firm white fish fillets, such as cod or haddock, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 4 slices of bacon, chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 4 cups seafood or vegetable broth
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add the butter to the pot with the bacon fat. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
5. Slowly pour in the seafood or vegetable broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the cubed potatoes and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Once the chowder base is simmering, add the cubed fish fillets. Let the chowder simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
7. Pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let the chowder simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
8. Taste the chowder and season with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Serve the fish chowder hot, garnished with the crispy bacon and chopped parsley on top. Enjoy with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a complete meal.
There’s something deeply satisfying about preparing a wholesome fish chowder from scratch, especially during the colder months when a bowl of something warm and comforting is exactly what you need. With its creamy texture and delicious flavors, this fish chowder is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a starter at any meal. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding in your favorite seafood or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste. Share this recipe with loved ones and savor the cozy moments that only a homemade fish chowder can bring.
