Introduction: 

Seafood chowder is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the flavors of the sea with the warmth of a hearty soup. This recipe takes you on a culinary journey through a creamy and flavorful seafood chowder that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds. Let's dive right in!


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Ingredients:

1 pound of mixed seafood (such as shrimp, scallops, and whitefish)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4 cups fish or seafood stock

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced

1 cup carrots, diced

1 cup celery, diced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Oyster crackers or crusty bread (optional, for serving)


Instructions:

Prepare the Seafood: 

If your seafood is not pre-cooked, you'll want to cook it first. You can quickly sauté shrimp, scallops, and whitefish in a pan with a bit of butter until they're just cooked through. Set the seafood aside for later.


Sauté the Aromatics: 

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.


Add Flour: 

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will thicken the chowder.


Add Stock and Cream: 

Slowly pour in the fish or seafood stock while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Add the heavy cream and keep stirring until the mixture thickens slightly.


Add Vegetables and Seasoning: 

Add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Allow the chowder to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.


Combine Seafood: 

Gently fold in the cooked seafood into the chowder. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through.


Adjust Seasoning: 

Taste the chowder and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.


Serve: 

Ladle the creamy seafood chowder into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. You can also serve it with oyster crackers or a slice of crusty bread on the side for that extra crunch.


Enjoy: 

Dive into your delicious homemade seafood chowder and savor the delightful combination of flavors.


Conclusion: 

This creamy seafood chowder is a versatile and satisfying dish that's perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or just a comforting meal on a chilly day. The rich and hearty flavors of the sea, combined with the creamy base and hearty vegetables, make it a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try – you won't be disappointed!