Rich and Creamy Seafood Chowder: A Comforting Ocean Delight

Seafood chowder is a hearty and comforting dish that brings the flavors of the ocean to your table. This creamy soup is packed with a variety of seafood, vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, creating a rich and satisfying meal perfect for any time of the year. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or an appetizer, this seafood chowder is sure to impress. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and creamy seafood chowder at home.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon thyme
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 stalk celery, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup corn
• 5 cups seafood or chicken broth
• ½ cup white wine
• 8 ounces of white fish (such as cod, salmon, tilapia, or haddock), chopped into pieces
• 8 ounces scallops
• 12 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 ½ ounces chopped clams, canned and drained
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Dice the onion, slice the celery and carrot, and peel and cube the potatoes.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
   • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Incorporate the diced onion into the pan and sauté until it turns translucent, which should take around 5 minutes. Stir in the Old Bay seasoning and thyme.
3. Make the Roux:
   • Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken the chowder.
4. Add the Vegetables:
   • Add the sliced celery, carrot, and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine, ensuring the vegetables are coated with the roux.
5. Add the Liquid:
   • Pour in the seafood or chicken broth and the white wine. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.
6. Add the Seafood:
   • Add the chunks of white fish, scallops, shrimp, and chopped clams to the pot. Stir gently to combine. Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and opaque.
7. Add the Cream:
   • Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the chowder simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and thicken slightly. Do not let it boil.
8. Season and Garnish:
   • Taste the chowder and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or Old Bay seasoning to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley.
9. Serve:
   • Ladle the creamy seafood chowder into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with additional parsley if desired. This chowder pairs beautifully with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

Conclusion

This rich and creamy seafood chowder is a delightful way to enjoy a variety of seafood in one comforting bowl. With its hearty vegetables, aromatic seasonings, and luxurious cream base, this chowder is perfect for a cozy meal at home. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the satisfying warmth of this classic dish, bringing the taste of the ocean right to your table. Bon appétit!