Creamy Seafood Chowder Recipe
Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 10
Description
Growing up surrounded by the fresh and vibrant flavors of the ocean, seafood has always held a special place in my heart, and this chowder encapsulates that love perfectly. This recipe, while a bit of an indulgence, is well worth the effort, especially when served at gatherings where the culinary skills of multiple chefs are on display. When I made this chowder for a potluck supper attended by three talented chefs, I received glowing compliments and a big thumbs up! The event was themed entirely around seafood, making this chowder a star dish.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Onion (chopped) |
| 5 | Potatoes (diced) |
| 1/4 | Teaspoon Salt |
| 1 | Teaspoon Pepper |
| 1 | Can of Clams (drained, with juice) |
| 1 | Pound Shrimp (peeled and deveined) |
| 1 | Pound Lobster Meat (cooked) |
| 1/2 – 1 | Cup Scallops |
| 2 | Cups Milk |
| 2 | Tablespoons Butter |
| 1 | Teaspoon Paprika |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 297.4 |
| Total Fat | 14.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 101.5 mg |
| Sodium | 431.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 25.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g |
| Sugars | 1.6 g |
| Protein | 17.7 g |
Instructions
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Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by sautéing the chopped onion in a large pot over medium heat until it becomes translucent and fragrant, usually around 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds the foundational flavor for your chowder.
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Add the Potatoes and Seasoning: To the sautéed onions, add the diced potatoes along with the salt and pepper. Pour in the clam juice (from the can of clams) and stir to combine. Allow this mixture to simmer gently, covering the pot to ensure the potatoes cook evenly. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender but not mushy.
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Incorporate the Seafood and Cream: Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully add in all of your seafood: the drained clams, shrimp, cooked lobster meat, and scallops. Then, pour in the milk and cream, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients without breaking up the seafood.
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Avoid Boiling: At this stage, it’s important not to boil the chowder. Instead, reduce the heat to low and let it warm through for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully without toughening the seafood.
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Keep it Warm: If you want to serve this chowder at a later time, transfer it to your crock pot. This method keeps the chowder warm without continuing to cook it, ensuring that your seafood remains tender and succulent.
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Finish with Paprika: Just before serving, sprinkle a bit of paprika on top for a lovely color and a hint of smoky flavor.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chowder into bowls and enjoy this creamy, comforting dish that celebrates the bounty of the sea. Pair it with some crusty bread for an even more satisfying meal.
This creamy seafood chowder not only satisfies the palate but also brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. With its rich flavors and delightful textures, it is sure to impress, just like it did at my potluck supper. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family!
