Creamy Dreamy Seafood Chowder
The BEST seafood chowder recipe! Creamy, comforting & packed with flavour. Think New England charm in every spoonful. Ready in an hour! Grab the recipe now.
Right then, let's get cracking! a good seafood chowder recipe is proper comfort food, isn't it? like a hug in a bowl, especially on a drizzly tuesday.
You know? something about it just warms you right up. and this one? it's creamy, dreamy, and packed with all sorts of lovely seafood .
Ahoy There! Let's Make Chowder
Honestly, have you ever tried a seafood chowder recipe creamy enough to make you want to weep with joy? this one's that good.
We're talking proper new england vibes, only you don't have to hop on a plane. think of it as a taste of the coast, right in your own kitchen.
Perfect for chilly evenings or a saturday lunch.
This recipe is a doddle, honestly. it takes about an hour from start to finish, so no need to stress about spending all day chained to the hob.
Plus, it makes enough for 6-8 hungry people, perfect for a family gathering or some seafood potluck ideas with your mates.
Creamy Dreamy Seafood Chowder Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Why You'll Blimming Love This Chowder
Aside from the taste (which is a major plus), this chowder is packed with goodness. fish is brill for your heart, potatoes give you energy, and the whole thing is just so comforting.
It's also amazing for those times when you need a bit of cheering up. a little healthy new england clam chowder , if you want it to be healthy.
Honestly, this will be the best seafood chowder recipe you ever made!
What makes this recipe special, you ask? well, it's the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly smoky. the bacon adds a real depth of flavor that you just can't get anywhere else.
And it's all about those fresh herbs at the end. i promise, it's worth making. you should really try to find this at the reluctant entertainer recipes clam chowder .
Alright, let's talk ingredients. Time to get your apron on and find that big pot!
Right then, let's get cracking on this amazing seafood chowder recipe !
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Chowder Toolkit
Honestly, getting your ducks in a row before you start is half the battle, innit? No one wants to be scrambling for a whisk halfway through. This breakdown will keep you right!
Main Ingredients
- Bacon Base: 4 slices diced (about 4 oz / 115g ). Look for streaky bacon; it renders beautifully.
- Onion: 1 medium, diced (about 1 cup / 150g ). Yellow onions are perfect.
- Celery: 2 ribs, diced (about ¾ cup / 100g ). Adds a subtle freshness.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (about 2 tsp / 6g ).
- Thyme: 1 tsp dried (2g).
- Red Pepper Flakes: ½ tsp (optional) (1g).
- Flour: 2 tbsp all-purpose (15g).
- Stock: 4 cups fish stock or clam juice (950ml). Good stock is crucial!
- Potatoes: 2 cups Yukon Gold, diced (about 400g ). Holds their shape well.
- Corn: 1 cup frozen (150g). Sweetcorn is lovely.
- Bay Leaf: 1 . A must for depth of flavor.
- Cod: 1 lb fillets, 1-inch pieces (about 450g ). Firm and flaky.
- Shrimp: 8 oz peeled, halved (about 225g ). Fresh is best!
- Scallops: 8 oz bay scallops (about 225g ).
- Cream: 1 cup heavy cream (240ml). Makes it so creamy!
- Parsley: ¼ cup chopped fresh (15g).
- Butter: 2 tbsp unsalted (30g).
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional: Lemon wedges, for serving.
Seasoning Notes
The secret to a great seafood chowder recipe ? the aromatics! thyme is your best mate here. a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a sneaky warmth, and don't be shy with the salt and pepper.
I honestly think that for this best seafood chowder recipe , a squeeze of lemon at the end really brightens everything up.
Don't have thyme? Marjoram or even a bit of dried oregano can work in a pinch.
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven or pot. Crucial for even cooking.
- Cutting board. Safety first!
- Sharp knife.
- Wooden spoon.
- Ladle.
Don't have a dutch oven? a heavy-bottomed stockpot will do just fine. honestly, you probably already have something suitable! it´s time to create seafood potluck ideas , because that is always a good idea.
Let´s see how this relates with the legal seafood clam chowder recipe !
Now, the seafood chowder recipe creamy is yours to conquer. so, get your apron on, and let's make some magic! maybe while you are there, take a look at reluctant entertainer recipes clam chowder .
Right then, let's get cracking! a good seafood chowder recipe is proper comfort food, isn't it? like a hug in a bowl, especially on a drizzly tuesday.
Honestly, thinking about it makes me want to ditch my plans and whip up a batch. i've messed it up before.
Soggy potatoes, rubbery seafood... shudders . but, i learned, and now i'm sharing my secrets! it is inspired in legal seafood clam chowder recipe
"there is no love sincerer than the love of food." - george bernard shaw. isn't that the truth? and this best seafood chowder recipe , well, it's made with love, i promise.
Let's get to it!
The Secret to a Scintillating Seafood Chowder
Before you even think about turning on the hob, let’s get organised. It's all about the mise en place , innit?
Prep Steps: Essential Mise en Place
First, dice your onion, celery, and potatoes. mince that garlic! get your cod, shrimp and scallops ready to go. this way everything will move fast.
Honestly, prepping saves so much time. especially on busy weeknights.
Time-saving organization tips : have all the ingredients measured and ready to go before you start cooking. it's a lifesaver, trust me.
It also gives you time to pour that glass of wine you deserve!
Step-by-Step Process: From Prep to Palate
Okay, now for the fun bit!
- Cook the diced bacon in your Dutch oven until crispy. Reserve the bacon – that’s important! Set it aside with a slotted spoon. We're using that bacon fat for flavour .
- Sauté the onion and celery in the glorious bacon fat until softened. Add garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes – if you're feeling brave. Cook until the smell makes you want to weep with joy.
- Stir in the flour, cooking for 1- 2 minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in your fish stock or clam juice. Scrape up all those lovely browned bits from the bottom! Add the potatoes, corn, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- Gently stir in the cod, shrimp, and scallops. Cook until the seafood is opaque. Be careful not to overcook .
- Stir in the heavy cream, reserved bacon, parsley, and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the bay leaf and serve!
Pro Tips: Secrets to a Smashing Chowder
- Don’t overcook your seafood. It’s the biggest mistake people make! You want it just cooked through, not rubbery.
- If you're thinking of Seafood Potluck Ideas for your next dinner party, a pot of chowder is always a winner.
- Make Ahead: Yes, you can make this ahead! The flavors actually get better overnight. Just reheat gently and add the cream right before serving. This might make an awesome addition to your Reluctant Entertainer Recipes Clam Chowder .
So, there you have it. My seafood chowder recipe . I hope you love it as much as I do. Now get cooking!.
Right then, fancy a chinwag about this seafood chowder recipe ? Sorted the recipe now, let's talk about nailing it, yeah? Think of it as the finishing touches, the bit that elevates it from "alright" to "Oh my gosh, this is the best seafood chowder recipe ever !"
Recipe Notes: Get Your Chowder On!
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Honestly, presentation matters. a simple ladle into a bowl is fine. but, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley? chef's kiss .
Serving in a bread bowl can make you reluctant entertainer recipes clam chowder , and would be quite amazing. a dollop of crème fraîche? suddenly, you're fancy! it's all about the little things, innit? a crispy baguette on the side is always a winner too.
For drinks, a chilled dry white wine (like a pinot grigio) cuts through the richness beautifully. you could even try a crisp, light beer if that's your bag.
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh
Right, let's talk leftovers. If you’re lucky enough to have any Seafood Chowder Recipe Creamy remaining, store it smart.
Refrigeration: Pop it in an airtight container and it'll happily sit in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Freezing? here's the thing: creamy things can sometimes get a bit grainy when frozen. but, if you must , freeze it in individual portions.
When you reheat , do it gently on a low heat, stirring often. don't blast it in the microwave unless you're absolutely starving!
Variations: Switch it Up, Mate!
This clam chowder recipe is just the starting point. Feel free to get creative.
Dairy-Free Delight: Swap the cream for coconut milk to make it Healthy New England Clam Chowder . Honestly, it's still lush!
Seasonal Swap: In autumn, chuck in some roasted butternut squash for a bit of sweetness. In summer, maybe some fresh sweetcorn kernels.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bowl
Okay, i'm not a nutritionist, alright? but, this seafood chowder recipe is packed with protein from the fish. the potatoes give you carbs for energy.
Plus, you're getting some veggies in there too. it's relatively healthy new england clam chowder , especially compared to some other comfort food.
Remember to adjust portion size, and don’t go too mad on the cream and bacon if you're watching your waistline.
Everything in moderation, yeah? if you are searching for legal seafood clam chowder recipe , try to reduce the amount of cream in your version.
So there you have it! all the insider tips for a champion chowder. now go get cooking, and don't be afraid to experiment a bit.
I just know a copycat skippers clam chowder version or a seafood potluck ideas variation will be a smash!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this seafood chowder recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The base of the chowder (before adding the seafood and cream) can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, gently reheat the base, then add the seafood and cream as directed. Just remember that reheating it multiple times can affect the texture of the potatoes. Try not to overcook anything!
What's the best way to store leftover seafood chowder?
Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that the texture might change slightly, and the potatoes might absorb some of the liquid. Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the seafood rubbery; think of it like a Sunday roast that's been zapped in the microwave – just not the same!
I don't like [insert seafood here]. Can I substitute it in this seafood chowder recipe?
Of course! This seafood chowder recipe is super adaptable. If you're not a fan of shrimp, for example, you can leave it out or substitute it with more cod or scallops. You could even throw in some mussels or clams if you're feeling adventurous, just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some seafoods require longer than others.
How can I make this seafood chowder recipe thicker?
There are a few ways to thicken your chowder if it's not quite to your liking. You can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot to release their starch. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the chowder during the last few minutes of cooking. Simmer until the chowder reaches your desired consistency – easy peasy!
Can I freeze seafood chowder?
Freezing seafood chowder isn't ideal, but it can be done with some considerations. The cream and potatoes can sometimes become grainy or separate upon thawing. If you do freeze it, allow the chowder to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop. Consider adding a splash of cream when reheating to restore some of the lost richness and texture.
Is this seafood chowder recipe healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Seafood chowder can be part of a balanced diet! It's a good source of protein from the seafood, and the potatoes provide carbohydrates for energy. However, it can also be high in fat due to the cream and bacon. You can make it healthier by using less cream or substituting with half-and-half or milk, and by using lean bacon or omitting it altogether. Also, remember portion control is key, even if it's absolutely banging!
