Best New England Fish Chowder Recipe – Hearty and Easy!

Classic New England Fish Chowder 🥣🍲

Description

This delightful fish chowder recipe hails from New England, a beloved family treasure passed down from my mother, who is simply the best cook. It’s a simple, hearty, and filling dish that brings back joyful memories of coming home from school to its comforting aroma. I hope you find as much joy in it as we do.

Cook Time Table

Recipe Category

Chowders

Keywords

Healthy, < 60 Mins, Beginner Cook, Stove Top, Easy

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 498.9 kcal
• Fat Content: 12.8 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 4.7 g
• Cholesterol Content: 132.8 mg
• Sodium Content: 334.8 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 47.5 g
• Fiber Content: 5 g
• Sugar Content: 6.5 g
• Protein Content: 46.6 g

Servings

6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 strips of bacon, chopped
• 1/4 cup flour
• 6 potatoes, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1/3 cup water (or just enough to cover the potatoes)
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 pounds of white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock)

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon and Onion:

   • In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it begins to crisp. Add the chopped onion and cook slowly, stirring occasionally. The onion should become soft but not brown, ensuring it retains a sweet and mellow flavor.
   • Once the onion is soft, remove both the bacon and onion from the pot and set them aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pot.

2. Prepare the Potatoes:

   • Add the diced potatoes to the same pot with the retained bacon fat. Pour in enough water to just cover the potatoes. This will help them cook evenly without becoming mushy.
   • Cook the potatoes over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until they begin to soften. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your potato pieces.

3. Add the Fish:

   • Gently add the fish fillets to the pot. Ensure they are fully submerged in the water with the potatoes. Cook until the fish is just flaky, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the fish to maintain its tender texture.
   • Remove the fish from the pot and discard any skin. Flake the fish into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

4. Thicken the Chowder:

   • In a small bowl, mix the flour with a little water to create a smooth paste. This will be used to thicken the chowder without creating lumps.
   • Gradually add the flour mixture to the pot, stirring constantly to avoid clumping. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low so that it is no longer boiling but still hot.

5. Finish the Chowder:

   • Add the milk, cooked bacon, and onion back into the pot. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
   • Heat the chowder over low heat until it is warmed through, making sure it does not boil to prevent the milk from curdling.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, ensuring the chowder has a well-balanced flavor.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Ladle the hot chowder into bowls, ensuring each serving has a good mix of potatoes, fish, and bacon.
   • Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete and comforting meal.

Tips and Variations

• Choosing the Fish: White fish like cod or haddock work best for this recipe. They have a mild flavor and firm texture that holds up well in the chowder.
• Extra Creamy: For a richer chowder, you can substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
• Herb Addition: Add a bay leaf or some fresh thyme to the pot while the potatoes are cooking for an added depth of flavor.
• Vegetable Boost: Incorporate some diced celery or carrots along with the potatoes for additional texture and nutrition.

Enjoy this heartwarming New England Fish Chowder, and may it bring as much joy and comfort to your family as it has to ours! 🍲💖