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–+ servings
Fish Chowder

Fish Chowder

Rika
This hearty fish chowder soup delivers a big bowl of comfort but not too heavy. The broth is so creamy, silky, and rich in flavors. It has a perfect consistency, not too thick and not too thin, very similar to New England chowder.
4.82 from 43 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 573 kcal

Equipment

  • A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden or silicone spatula

Ingredients
 

  • 3 pounds meaty firm fish or white fish, (cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 2 pounds potatoes, (such as Yukon or red potatoes) cut into ¾-inch cubes.
  • 3 thick bacon slices
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cups diced onion
  • ¾ cup small diced celery
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 small thyme sprigs
  • 24 oz clam juice
  • 2 cups chicken broth, (low-sodium or regular according to your liking)
  • 2½ teaspoons Old Bay seasoning, (I used OLD BAY® Seafood Seasoning by McCormick)
  • 2 cups heavy cream , (preheat in the microwave) - add more according to your liking
  • black pepper , (to taste)

Instructions
 

  • Render Bacon Fat: In a heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook bacon for 5 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
    Transfer the bacon to a plate and set aside. Keep about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
  • Add butter, onion, and celery. Cook and stirring occasionally over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until softened but not browned.
  • Deglaze the pan: Add white wine, cook at medium-high heat, stirring to scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan, until it has evaporated and reduced in half.
  • Add bay leaf, thyme, clam juice, broth, old bay seasoning, and potatoes. Bring to a boil then lower the heat. Cover the pot and cook until potatoes are almost done (firm on the outside but soft on the inside) for about 10 minutes or longer.
  • Add the fish fillets and preheated heavy cream into the pot. Cook, uncovered, on low heat for about 8-10 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt/black pepper if needed.
  • Serve and enjoy with crispy bacon bits or allow the soup to chill at room temperature for up to an hour to enhance flavors. The broth will get thickened as it sits. 
    Reheat at low heat just before serving. Do not let it boils.

Nutrition

Calories: 573kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 39gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 178mgSodium: 652mgPotassium: 1252mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1193IUVitamin C: 34mgCalcium: 101mgIron: 2mg
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