Seafood Chowder

Ingredients

¼ cup butter

1 cup minced onion

1 cup minced celery

1 cup minced carrot

2 teaspoons minced garlic

½ cup all-purpose flour

2 (32-ounce) cartons chicken broth

1 (8-ounce) bottle clam juice

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 pounds red potatoes, cut into ½-inch pieces

10 sprigs fresh thyme

2 cups frozen whole-kernel corn, thawed

1 pound flounder, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp

1 (8-ounce) container jumbo lump crabmeat, picked free of shell

1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

Garnish: fresh thyme

Instructions

In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat.

Add onion, celery, carrot, and garlic, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until tender.

Add flour, and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.

Stir in broth, clam juice, and cream.

Add potatoes and thyme; bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Reduce heat, and simmer for 40 minutes.

Stir in corn and next 4 ingredients.

Return to a simmer, and cook for 5 to 10 minutes or until fish is cooked through.

Garnish with thyme, if desired.

Notes:

Seafood Variation: Seafood chowder offers flexibility with the types of seafood you can include. Try experimenting with different combinations like scallops, mussels, or lobster to suit your taste preferences or what’s readily available.

Make-Ahead Option: This chowder can be prepared ahead of time and reheated when needed. To maintain the texture and flavor of the seafood, gently reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Dairy Substitution: If you prefer a lighter version of the chowder, you can substitute heavy whipping cream with whole milk. Keep in mind that this alteration may result in a less creamy texture.

Clam Juice Substitute: In the absence of clam juice, fish or seafood stock can be used as an alternative to preserve the seafood flavor in the chowder.

Storage Tip: Leftover seafood chowder should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

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Fresh vs. Dried Thyme: While fresh thyme adds vibrant flavor, dried thyme can be used as a substitute. Adjust the quantity to approximately one-third of the amount of fresh thyme called for in the recipe.

Old Bay Seasoning: Old Bay seasoning contributes to the traditional flavor profile of the chowder, but you can create a homemade version using common spices like paprika, celery salt, and bay leaves.

Accompaniments: Serve the seafood chowder with crusty bread, oyster crackers, or a simple green salad for a satisfying meal. These side dishes complement the rich and savory flavors of the chowder.

Freezing Option: While seafood chowder can be frozen for later consumption, note that the texture of the seafood may change upon thawing. Freeze the chowder in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: To make the chowder gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour substitute or omit the flour altogether. Ensure that all other ingredients used are also gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 cup

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of seafood in the chowder?

Certainly! Feel free to customize the seafood based on your preferences.

You can add scallops, mussels, or even lobster.

Is it possible to make this chowder ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, seafood chowder can be made ahead of time.

Reheat it gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the seafood.

Can I substitute whole milk for heavy whipping cream to lighten the recipe?

Yes, you can use whole milk instead of heavy whipping cream for a lighter version.

Keep in mind that it may alter the richness of the chowder.

What is a good alternative for clam juice if I don’t have any on hand?

If you don’t have clam juice, you can use fish or seafood stock as a substitute to maintain the seafood flavor.

How do I store leftover seafood chowder?

Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Consume it within 2-3 days for the best quality.

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute dried thyme for fresh.

Use approximately 1/3 of the amount specified for fresh thyme.

Is Old Bay seasoning essential, and can I make a homemade version?

Old Bay seasoning adds a classic flavor, but you can make a homemade version with ingredients like paprika, celery salt, and bay leaves.

What side dishes pair well with seafood chowder?

Crusty bread, oyster crackers, or a simple green salad make excellent side dishes to complement the chowder.

Can I freeze seafood chowder for later use?

While it’s possible to freeze chowder, keep in mind that the texture of the seafood may change upon thawing.

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.

What adjustments can I make for a gluten-free version of this chowder?

To make the chowder gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour substitute or omit the flour altogether.

Ensure other ingredients are gluten-free as well.