Scallop and bacon chowder is a delightful seafood soup that combines the richness of bacon with the sweetness of scallops, accented by creamy potatoes and corn. This recipe is perfect for a comforting meal and is easy to prepare on the stove top in less than an hour.
Scallop and Bacon Chowder Recipe
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 3 cups clam juice (or seafood broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound bay scallops
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Cook Bacon: In a heavy pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
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Saute Leeks and Aromatics: Add the sliced leeks, minced garlic, and fresh thyme leaves to the pot with the bacon fat. Saute for about 5 minutes until the leeks are softened and aromatic.
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Add Corn and Potatoes: Stir in the corn kernels and diced potatoes. Pour in the clam juice (or seafood broth) and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Add Scallops and Bacon: Once the potatoes are tender, add the bay scallops and the cooked bacon back into the pot. Simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes, until the scallops are just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the scallops as they can become tough.
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Season and Serve: Season the chowder with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the hot chowder into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with additional thyme leaves if desired.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 448.5 per serving
- Total Fat: 25.1g
- Saturated Fat: 11.3g
- Cholesterol: 78.8mg
- Sodium: 663.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 40.4g
- Fiber: 3.8g
- Sugar: 5.7g
- Protein: 17.4g
Tips for Making Scallop and Bacon Chowder:
- Scallop Selection: Choose fresh bay scallops for this recipe, as they cook quickly and have a sweet, delicate flavor.
- Creamy Texture: Adjust the thickness of the chowder by adding more cream or clam juice depending on your preference.
- Variations: You can add other seafood like shrimp or crab meat to enhance the seafood flavor.
- Garnish Options: Consider garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
This scallop and bacon chowder recipe is sure to be a hit with seafood lovers and anyone craving a hearty, comforting soup. Enjoy it as a main course with crusty bread or as a starter for a special meal.
