Elegant Seafood Chowder Recipe
Description: Elevate your chowder game with this exquisite recipe inspired by Chatelaine, enhanced with the addition of succulent clams and plump mussels, resulting in a hearty and flavorsome dish that will leave you craving more. Perfect for a cozy night in or to impress dinner guests with its elegant flavors and luxurious seafood medley. The preparation time encompasses a day of chilling to allow the flavors to meld and intensify, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for special occasions or weeknight indulgence.
Recipe Category: Chowders 🥣
Keywords: Trout, Mussels, Very Low Carbs, Healthy, Weeknight, Refrigerator, Stove Top 🍽️
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 494.9
- Fat Content: 8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 190.7mg
- Sodium Content: 1486.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 23.2g
- Fiber Content: 3.5g
- Sugar Content: 9.3g
- Protein Content: 64.5g
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Butter |
| 3 | Onions |
| 5 | Garlic cloves |
| 3 | Bacon strips |
| 2 | Cups chicken broth |
| 2 | Cups white wine |
| 1 | Cup dry sherry |
| 2 | Plum tomatoes |
| 2 | Tablespoons fresh basil |
| 1/2 | Teaspoon dried basil |
| 1 | Teaspoon fresh thyme |
| 1 | Teaspoon dried thyme |
| 1 | Teaspoon cumin |
| 1 | Teaspoon sugar |
| 1/4 | Teaspoon dried dill |
| 1/4 | Teaspoon salt |
| 1/4 | Teaspoon cayenne pepper |
| 1 | Bay leaf |
| 2 | Whole red snapper |
| 1 1/2 | Pounds trout |
| 2 | Zucchinis |
| 1 1/2 | Pounds mussels |
| 2 | Dozen clams |
| 1 | Pound shrimp |
| Fresh dill for garnish |
Instructions:
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Preparation: Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bacon to the saucepan, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are translucent and the bacon is crisp.
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Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, white wine, and dry sherry, followed by the diced plum tomatoes, finely chopped hot peppers (if using), and all the dried and fresh herbs, including basil, thyme, cumin, and dill. Add in the sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper for a hint of sweetness and spice. Toss in the bay leaf to infuse the broth with aromatic flavors.
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Simmer with Snapper: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to break up the tomatoes and ensure even distribution of flavors. Carefully place the whole red snapper on top of the simmering broth, cover the saucepan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for approximately 45 minutes, allowing the fish to impart its delicate flavor into the broth.
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Chill and Reheat: Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the chowder to cool slightly. Then, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
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Prepare Seafood: After chilling, remove the snapper and bay leaf from the chowder, discarding the bay leaf and separating the snapper into pieces, discarding the heads, bones, and skin. Return the fish pieces to the chowder.
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Reheat Chowder: Place the saucepan back on the stove over medium heat and stir the chowder frequently until it is piping hot and the fish is heated through.
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Add Trout and Zucchini: Meanwhile, prepare the trout fillets by cutting them into 1-inch pieces and slicing the zucchinis into bite-sized chunks. Just 10 minutes before serving, stir the trout pieces into the hot chowder, cover the saucepan, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the chowder to simmer gently for another 5 minutes to cook the trout and zucchini until tender.
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Prepare Shellfish: While the chowder simmers, thoroughly scrub the mussels and clams under cold running water to remove any grit or debris. Add the shrimp to the chowder and arrange the mussels and clams on top.
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Finish and Serve: Cover the saucepan and continue to simmer the chowder for an additional 5 minutes or until the mussels and clams have opened, indicating they are cooked. Discard any mussels or clams that remain closed.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle the piping hot chowder into bowls, garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh dill for a burst of herbal aroma, and serve immediately to savor the rich flavors of this elegant seafood chowder.
With its delicate balance of flavors and luxurious seafood combination, this Elegant Seafood Chowder is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire, perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of culinary sophistication.
