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Recipe: Blackfish Chowder ππ₯£
Overview:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 209.4 per serving
- Rating: βββββ (5/5)
Description:
Discover the savory delight of Blackfish Chowder, a creamy concoction originating from Newport Beach, RI. Blackfish, also known as Tautog, lends its firm, mild-flavored flesh to this hearty dish, reminiscent of Sea Bass. The chowder tantalizes the taste buds with its thick, creamy texture, subtly sweet taste, and a touch of smoky bacon. Whether you’ve secured fresh Blackfish or opt for a substitute like Sea Bass, this recipe promises a culinary adventure that’s sure to please!
Ingredients:
- 1 slice bacon
- 4 onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 cups evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 lb Blackfish (or Sea Bass), boneless and skinless, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- Optional: clam juice for extra flavor
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Rinse the Blackfish under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Cut the Blackfish into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1/2 inch each, and set aside.
-
Cooking the Bacon:
- In a small skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet, blot excess fat with paper towels, crumble it, and set it aside.
- Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet, discarding the rest.
-
SautΓ©ing Onions:
- Add the finely chopped onions to the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings.
- SautΓ© the onions until they become tender, but be careful not to let them brown.
-
Preparing the Base:
- Transfer the sautΓ©ed onions to a deep saucepan.
- Add the diced potatoes and water to the saucepan, covering it with a lid.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes until the potatoes begin to soften.
-
Adding the Fish:
- Carefully add the Blackfish (or Sea Bass) pieces to the simmering potato mixture.
- Allow the fish and potatoes to simmer together for an additional 10 minutes, or until they are both fully cooked and tender.
-
Thickening the Chowder:
- In a small bowl, combine the flour with clam juice (if using), stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and free of lumps.
- Gradually add this flour mixture to the pot, stirring constantly to ensure it blends evenly with the cooking liquid.
- Next, stir in the evaporated milk, butter, salt, and white pepper, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
-
Final Touches:
- Continue heating the chowder over medium heat until it thickens to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
- Once the chowder has reached the desired thickness, remove it from the heat.
- Garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of the crumbled bacon before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Blackfish Chowder piping hot, accompanied by crusty bread or oyster crackers for a delightful meal that’s sure to warm both body and soul.
Notes:
- If Blackfish is not available, Sea Bass or any firm, mild-flavored fish can be used as a substitute.
- Use caution when handling the fish to ensure all bones are removed before cooking.
- Feel free to customize the chowder by adding additional vegetables such as carrots or celery for extra flavor and texture.