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RECIPES

Creamy Seafood Chowder

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Introduction

Creamy seafood chowder is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of the sea with a velvety, comforting broth.

This hearty chowder, packed with shrimp, fish, and aromatic herbs, is perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave something indulgent and flavorful.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers.

Ingredients

Seafood:

1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 lb (450g) white fish fillets (e.g., cod or haddock), cut into chunks

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1 cup (200g) scallops or clams (optional)

Broth:

4 cups (1 liter) fish or chicken stock

1 cup (250ml) heavy cream

1/2 cup (120ml) milk

3 tablespoons butter

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1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Vegetables and Aromatics:

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

2 celery stalks, diced

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1 carrot, diced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preparing the Base

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to form a paste. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  3. Add Stock: Gradually pour in the fish or chicken stock while whisking continuously to ensure no lumps form. Add the diced potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Adding the Seafood

  1. Cook the Fish: Add the chunks of fish and scallops (if using) to the pot. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
  2. Add the Shrimp: Stir in the shrimp and cook for another 3–4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
  3. Incorporate Dairy: Lower the heat and pour in the cream and milk. Stir gently and allow the chowder to heat through without boiling.
  4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chowder and add more salt, pepper, or thyme as needed.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Garnish: Remove the bay leaf and sprinkle the chowder with fresh parsley before serving.
  2. Serve: Ladle the creamy seafood chowder into bowls and serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers for dipping.

Tips for Success

Freshness Matters: Use fresh seafood for the best flavor, but frozen seafood works well in a pinch.

Thicken to Your Liking: For a thicker chowder, mash some of the potatoes or add a bit more flour to the roux.

Variations: Add corn, bacon, or a dash of smoked paprika for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Creamy seafood chowder is the ultimate comfort food, combining the natural sweetness of seafood with a rich, satisfying broth.

Whether enjoyed as a main course or an appetizer, this dish is sure to impress family and friends. With its hearty texture and luxurious flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.

Enjoy the warmth of the sea in every spoonful!

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