Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this chowder is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the seafood and vegetables to your liking or based on what you have on hand.
- Comforting Flavor: The creamy broth combined with tender seafood and veggies makes for a heartwarming meal.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 rib celery, sliced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup corn kernels
- 5 cups chicken broth or seafood broth
- ½ cup white wine
- 8 ounces white fish (such as cod, salmon, tilapia, or haddock), cut into chunks
- 8 ounces sea scallops
- 12 ounces medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6.5 ounces chopped clams, drained
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until tender. Stir in the flour, Old Bay seasoning, and dried thyme; cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Incorporate the sliced celery, carrot, cubed potatoes, and corn kernels. Pour in the chicken or seafood broth and white wine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Seafood and Cream: Gently stir in the chunks of white fish, sea scallops, shrimp, chopped clams, and heavy whipping cream. Continue to simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread or biscuits if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: About 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 20 minutes.
- Total Time: Around 30 minutes.
Variations
- Seafood Options: Feel free to substitute or add other seafood such as lobster, crab, or salmon. Be mindful of varying cooking times to prevent overcooking.
- Vegetable Additions: Enhance the chowder by adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for extra flavor and texture.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like dill or chives can be added for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the chowder to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the chowder on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from separating.
FAQs
What is the best type of fish to use in seafood chowder?
White fish such as cod, haddock, or tilapia work well due to their mild flavor and firm texture.
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, frozen seafood can be used. Ensure it is properly thawed and drained before adding to the chowder.
How can I thicken my chowder if it’s too thin?
If the chowder is thinner than desired, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup to release their starches or create a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of flour with a small amount of cold broth, then stir it into the simmering chowder until it thickens.
Is it possible to make this chowder dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or a non-dairy milk with a thickening agent instead of heavy cream. Be aware that this will alter the flavor profile.
Can I prepare this chowder in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chowder a day in advance. The flavors often meld and improve after resting. Reheat gently before serving.
What can I serve alongside seafood chowder?
Crusty bread, biscuits, or a simple green salad pair well with seafood chowder.
How do I prevent the seafood from becoming rubbery?
Add the seafood towards the end of the cooking process and simmer gently to avoid overcooking, which can make seafood tough and rubbery.
Can I freeze leftover chowder?
Freezing cream-based soups can sometimes result in a grainy texture upon reheating. If you plan to freeze, consider doing so before adding the cream, and then add the cream when reheating.
What type of wine is best for this recipe?
A dry white wine such as Sauvignon
PrintSeafood Chowder
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Seafood Chowder is a rich and creamy soup loaded with tender shrimp, white fish, and scallops in a flavorful white wine broth with hearty vegetables. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Serve it with crusty bread for a cozy, restaurant-quality dinner at home.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 rib celery, sliced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup corn kernels
- 5 cups chicken broth or seafood broth
- ½ cup white wine
- 8 ounces white fish (cod, haddock, tilapia, or salmon), cut into chunks
- 8 ounces sea scallops
- 12 ounces medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6.5 ounces chopped clams, drained
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft. Stir in flour, Old Bay seasoning, and thyme. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Mix in celery, carrot, potatoes, and corn. Pour in the broth and white wine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add Seafood and Cream: Stir in white fish, scallops, shrimp, clams, and heavy cream. Simmer for another 8-10 minutes until the seafood is cooked and potatoes are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
- Seafood Variations: Swap or add lobster, crab, or salmon.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Try mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.
- Thickening Tip: Mash some potatoes or add a flour slurry if needed.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid separation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American