Fish Chowder Recipe

fish chowder recipe

Creamy New England Fish Chowder

fish chowder recipe

This Fish Chowder recipe is a New England classic, made with a creamy texture and simple ingredients, packed with cod (or another whitefish), potatoes, and onions. They key to perfect fish chowder is the technique of poaching the fish so it flakes apart perfectly.

Prep: 20min

Total: 30min

Yield: 8

Serving Size: 1.5 cups

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1.5 cups, calories 249 kcal, Carbohydrate 9 g, Protein 17 g, Fat 16 g, Saturated Fat 9 g, Trans Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 84 mg, Sodium 481 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 4 g, unSaturated Fat 6 g

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 large yellow onions (2 chopped (for approximately 2 cups), one quartered and the layers flaked apart)
  • 2-3 cups water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 pinch dried thyme leaves (or 1/4 teaspoon fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (more if needed)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (more if needed)
  • 1.5 – 2 lbs. cod (or other fish (see notes))
  • 8 oz. clam juice
  • 2 lbs. potatoes (scrubbed clean or peeled if you want, diced into 1/2-inch to 1-inch pieces)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • small pinch ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tablespoon minced chives
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • more chives, fresh ground black pepper, extra butter, and nutmeg (for garnish (optional))

Instruction:

  1. In a large heavy pot such as a dutch oven, melt the butter (1 tablespoon) with the olive oil (1 tablespoon) over medium heat. Add the 2 chopped onions, stir to coat in the oil and butter, and sauté until translucent and softened, but not browned, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. (If the onions are browning, turn heat down to medium-low and add a little water, or cover to keep the steam in.)
  2. Add 2 cups of water to the pot, as well as the pinch of thyme, two bay leaves, kosher salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon). Bring to a boil.
  3. Add the cod (2 pounds) to the pot. Place the pieces so they are flat and in one layer (or if your filets are very thin, stacking them is fine). The water should come up to the top of the pieces, but not submerge them. If the water seems too low, you can add 1/2 cup to 1 cup more. Bring it up to a low simmer, cover, and cook on low for 4-5 minutes until the fish flakes apart (if your burner is hot, you can just turn off the heat and cover).
  4. Using a fish spatula or slotted spoon, remove the fish to a large plate or rimmed baking sheet (I used a quarter sheet pan). Place the plate in the fridge or freezer, if you have room, for a couple of minutes so it cools faster and doesn’t continue to cook. When the fish is cool enough to handle, gently flake it apart with your hands. You want the flakes to remain intact – don’t over-flake it!
  5. Add the clam juice (8 oz.) to the pot, as well as the cubed potatoes. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for about 15 minutes, or until potatoes are cooked (pierce one with the tines of a fork to check if it’s soft enough).
  6. While the potatoes are cooking, scald the milk. Place the milk (1 cup) and the quartered onion layers into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then turn the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes. Watch it carefully, as boiling milk will bubble up and might boil over!
  7. When the potatoes are finished cooking, strain the scalded milk through a mesh sieve into the pot. Add the flaked fish, as well as the chives (1/2 tablespoon) and the small pinch of nutmeg (we used fresh nutmeg; just a couple of grates on a microplane zester will do it).
  8. Bring the chowder back to a simmer. Turn off the heat. Stir in the heavy cream (1 cup), being careful to stir very gently so as not to break apart the fish too much. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if necessary.
  9. Serve. If you like, garnish each bowl with a small pat of butter, some more nutmeg and chives, and fresh grated black pepper.

New England Fish Chowder Recipe ~ Haddock

FAQ

What is the difference between fish stew and fish chowder?

A chowder may have the same ingredients, but is more chunky, creamy and thick, much like a stew. Chowder gets it name from the French world for cauldron, the pot the French fishermen would cook their fish stew in.

What thickens seafood chowder?

For the creamiest chowder, you’ll want to use heavy cream. If you don’t have or don’t want to use heavy cream, you could use a light cream, but you’ll want to mix in about 1 Tbsp of cornstarch with the lighter cream before adding to the soup, to help thicken the soup.

What goes with fish chowder?

Given below are a few of the best side dishes that pair well with clam chowder.
  • Bread. We start off with our most simple and obvious food to pair with clam chowder – bread! …
  • Oyster Crackers. …
  • Salad. …
  • Roasted Vegetables. …
  • Corn On Cob. …
  • French Fries. …
  • Bacon. …
  • Cornmeal Pancakes.

How do you make Jamie Oliver seafood chowder?

Ingredients
  1. olive oil.
  2. 2 rashers higher-welfare bacon , chopped.
  3. 1 small white onion , finely chopped.
  4. 2 sticks celery , finely chopped.
  5. 1 fresh red chilli , deseeded and finely chopped.
  6. 4 ears sweetcorn.
  7. 2 medium potatoes , peeled and chopped.
  8. 900 ml organic vegetable or fish stock , hot.
About the author

Helen is an author and editor at helenbackcafe.com, who has a passion for writing about recipes. She loves to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to create delicious and unique dishes.

Among all the foods, pizza holds a special place in her heart, and she loves exploring different variations and toppings to create the perfect slice. Through her writing, Helen hopes to inspire others to get creative in the kitchen and share their love for food with the world.

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