Cajun Corn and Shrimp Chowder Recipe

Description

Delve into the heart of Louisiana with this Cajun Corn and Shrimp Chowder, a dish that embodies the vibrant and spicy flavors of Cajun cuisine. My husband expertly crafts this chowder, and it’s so popular that we often find ourselves standing in line for the first bowl. The rich and creamy texture, combined with sweet corn and succulent shrimp, creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfectly paired with hot, crusty bread, this chowder is not just a meal; it’s an experience to be savored.

Ingredients

To create this delightful chowder that serves eight, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredient	Quantity
Butter	½ cup
Onion	1 medium
Cayenne Pepper	¼ teaspoon
Sweet Paprika	½ teaspoon
Ground Black Pepper	½ teaspoon – 1 teaspoon
Dried Oregano	½ teaspoon
Dried Thyme	½ teaspoon
All-Purpose Flour	1/4 cup
Boiling Water	1½ cups
Corn Kernels	1 cup
Shrimp	1 pound (peeled and deveined)
Heavy Cream	¾ – 1 cup

Nutritional Information

This chowder is not only delicious but also provides a good balance of nutrients. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	285.3
Total Fat	18.3 g
Saturated Fat	10.9 g
Cholesterol	133.9 mg
Sodium	578.3 mg
Total Carbohydrates	20.8 g
Dietary Fiber	2.2 g
Sugars	1.6 g
Protein	12.1 g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Instructions

Melt the Butter: Begin by placing a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely, creating a rich and flavorful base for your chowder.
Sauté the Onion: Once the butter is melted, add the diced onion to the pot. Sauté for about 3 minutes or until the onion has softened and become translucent, infusing the butter with its sweet flavor.
Spice it Up: To the softened onion, add the cayenne pepper, sweet paprika, garlic salt, ground black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Stir these spices into the onion mixture, allowing them to cook for 1-2 minutes, releasing their essential oils and enhancing the overall flavor.
Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook this mixture for another minute, ensuring the flour is fully combined and slightly cooked, which will thicken your chowder.
Add Soup Mix and Water: Gradually pour in the soup mix and boiling water, whisking vigorously to ensure a smooth and lump-free consistency. Bring the mixture to a boil while continuously whisking, which will help to dissolve the flour and spices thoroughly.
Add Corn and Shrimp: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium. Add the corn kernels and shrimp to the pot. Stir gently, allowing the shrimp to cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
Finish with Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine all ingredients. The cream will give your chowder its signature richness and velvety texture.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chowder and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne if desired. Remember that the flavors will meld as it cooks, so don’t be afraid to adjust to your palate.
Heat Through: Lower the heat and let the chowder simmer gently until it is heated through, ensuring all flavors have had time to develop and combine beautifully.
Serve: Finally, ladle the chowder into individual bowls, making sure to distribute the shrimp and corn evenly. Serve hot with slices of crusty bread for dipping, and watch as your family and friends dive into this delightful bowl of goodness.

Conclusion

This Cajun Corn and Shrimp Chowder is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that brings warmth and joy to the table. With its combination of fresh ingredients and spicy Cajun flair, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household, just as it has in ours. Enjoy every comforting spoonful, and don’t forget to savor the moments spent with loved ones around the table!