Delicious Fish Chowder Recipe for Comforting Meals at Home

The rich, creamy goodness of Fish Chowder is like a warm hug in a bowl, enveloping you with its hearty flavors and delightful textures. Picture yourself cozied up on a chilly evening, serving this delightful dish—loaded with tender cod and vibrant veggies—your senses alive with the aroma of garlic and the subtle hints of Old Bay seasoning wafting through the air. If comfort food had a soulmate, it would definitely be fish chowder, perfect for everything from family dinners to a cozy date night in, making every spoonful an exciting experience.

Imagine the satisfaction of gathering friends around the table, bowls steaming with this delicious fish chowder, laughter flowing as freely as the creamy broth. There’s something about slurping up such a delectable creation that brings everyone together, crafting an atmosphere filled with shared memories and the sweet anticipation of enjoying a meal cooked with love. Ready your taste buds for a flavor-packed journey that’s as comforting as your favorite childhood blanket.

Ingredients for Fish Chowder

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Fish Chowder:

6 tablespoons butter – helps create a rich and creamy base for the chowder.

6 tablespoons all-purpose flour – the magic ingredient for thickening the chowder to perfection.

1 cup diced onion – adds a sweet, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall profile.

1 cup diced celery – brings a delightful crunch and earthy flavor.

2-3 cloves garlic, minced – infuses the chowder with a rich and savory flavor.

4 cups diced potato, peeled and chopped into ¼ inch cubes – makes the chowder hearty and filling.

2 pounds cod filets, diced ¼ inch – the star of the show, offering a delicate and flaky texture.

32 ounces seafood stock – forms the flavorful base of your chowder.

8 ounces clam juice – adds depth and enhances the seafood flavor.

3 tablespoons cooking sherry or white wine – elevates the dish with a touch of sophistication.

2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning – a classic that brings a hint of spice and coastal charm.

¾ cup heavy cream – gives a velvety richness that’ll make your taste buds dance.

2 tablespoons parsley – for a sprinkle of freshness right before serving.

Salt and pepper – to taste, bringing out all the flavors perfectly.

How to Make Fish Chowder

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Fish Chowder:

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Begin by peeling and chopping the onions into a ¼ inch dice. Chop the celery into similar-sized pieces, then mince the garlic. For the potatoes, peel and chop them into ¼ inch cubes, and soak them in a bowl of water until you’re ready to use them. Don’t forget to chop the cod into ¼ inch cubes too.

Step 2: Create the Roux
In a large 6 to 8-quart pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Gradually add the flour, whisk continuously as the butter melts to create a foamy roux. Keep whisking for about 2 to 3 minutes until you achieve a lovely golden color.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Stir in your chopped onions, celery, and garlic. Sauté the mixture for 2-3 minutes, filling your kitchen with an inviting aroma. Drain the soaked potatoes and add them to the pot next. Sauté the vegetables for another 8-10 minutes, stirring every few minutes until they soften.

Step 4: Simmer the Chowder
Now, it’s time to add your diced cod, seafood stock, clam juice, cooking sherry, Old Bay seasoning, and a teaspoon of salt along with ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 8-10 minutes, letting those flavors meld and the chowder thicken.

Step 5: Finish with Cream
Once your potatoes are tender and the fish is cooked through, stir in the heavy cream and parsley. Give your chowder a taste test and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chowder warm as-is, or dress it up with chopped scallions or oyster crackers for an enjoyable garnish. This dish is pure comfort, sure to bring smiles all around.

With each velvety spoonful of this delicious Fish Chowder, you’re guaranteed a taste of comfort that warms the heart and soul. Enjoy!

This showstopping Fish Chowder delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Fish Chowder Cooking Process

Begin by prepping your ingredients first. Cook your roux with butter and flour, then add the onions and garlic. Combine with seafood stock and cod, letting it simmer gently. Finally, integrate the heavy cream and parsley for a delicious finish.

Add Your Touch to Fish Chowder

Feel free to swap cod with your favorite white fish, add some diced carrots for sweetness, or throw in a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Fresh herbs like dill or thyme can also elevate your chowder!

Storing & Reheating Fish Chowder

Store your Fish Chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling.

I remember the first time I made Fish Chowder for my family. They gobbled it up so fast I thought they might float away with all that seafood goodness!

FAQs About Fish Chowder

What is Fish Chowder?

Fish chowder is a rich and creamy soup made primarily with fish, particularly white fish, along with other ingredients like potatoes, onions, and celery. The dish often features a flavorful broth combining seafood stock and clam juice, creating a depth of flavor reminiscent of the sea. Fish chowder is known for its heartwarming qualities, making it a popular choice for cozy dinners at home. Whether served with crusty bread or oyster crackers, this comforting classic warms the soul and satisfies the palate.

How Do You Make Fish Chowder from Scratch?

Making fish chowder from scratch involves a few simple steps. Start by preparing your ingredients, including diced onions, celery, and fresh fish. First, create a roux by combining butter and flour in a large pot. Once it reaches a golden color, add the aromatics and potatoes. Pour in the seafood stock and clam juice, then simmer until everything is tender. Finally, stir in heavy cream and any herbs for extra flavor. This homemade version showcases that delightful balance between creamy and savory in every spoonful.

Can You Use Any Fish for Fish Chowder?

While cod is a popular choice for fish chowder due to its firm texture and mild flavor, you can definitely mix it up! Other white fish like haddock, halibut, or even tilapia work just as well. If you enjoy a more robust taste, consider adding smoked fish for a unique twist. Just ensure that the fish you choose is fresh and complements the chowder’s overall flavor profile for that perfect bowl of goodness.

What Should I Serve with Fish Chowder?

Fish chowder pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic experience, serve it with crusty bread or warm rolls for dipping into the creamy goodness. Oyster crackers are another crowd favorite, adding a nice crunch. You might also consider a light salad or coleslaw to balance out the rich flavors of the chowder. Some people enjoy adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Whatever you choose, a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea can complete the meal perfectly!

Conclusion for Fish Chowder

To wrap things up, fish chowder is a soothing and flavorful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its enticing combination of fresh fish, creamy broth, and aromatic vegetables, this classic soup is perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. You’ll find that once you try making fish chowder, it may become a regular in your meal rotation. So when you crave something delicious that cheers you up, reach for this recipe and enjoy the delightful experience of homemade fish chowder.

Delicious Fish Chowder Recipe for Comforting Meals at Home

This Fish Chowder features delightful flavors and textures, making it a perfect comforting dish for any occasion.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 395

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 6 tablespoons butter
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced celery
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups diced potato, peeled and chopped into ¼ inch cubes
• 2 pounds cod filets, diced ¼ inch
• 32 ounces seafood stock
• 8 ounces clam juice
• 3 tablespoons cooking sherry or white wine
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper

Equipment

• large pot

Method

 

Basic Preparation

1. Peel and chop the onions into a ¼ inch dice. Chop the celery into similar-sized pieces. Mince the garlic. Peel and chop the potatoes into ¼ inch cubes, then soak them in a bowl of water until ready to use. Chop the cod into ¼ inch cubes.

Cooking the Chowder

1. Set a large 6 to 8-quart pot over medium heat. Add the butter and flour to the pot. Whisk as the butter melts to create a foamy roux for thickening. Whisk the roux for 2 to 3 minutes until it reaches a golden color.
2. Stir in the chopped onions, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, then drain the potatoes and add them to the pot. Stir and sauté the vegetables for another 8-10 minutes to soften the aromatics and partially cook the potatoes, stirring every 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the diced cod, seafood stock, clam juice, cooking sherry, Old Bay seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Simmer the chowder for 8-10 minutes to thicken the soup base and cook the fish.
4. Once the potatoes are soft and the fish is cooked through, stir in the heavy cream and parsley. Taste, then add salt and pepper as desired.
5. Serve warm as-is or with chopped scallions and/or oyster crackers for a garnish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 26gFat: 18gSodium: 616mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g

Notes

This chowder can be customized by swapping cod for your favorite white fish or by adding vegetables like carrots. Store in an airtight container for up to three days.

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