Cape Anne Chowder
Cape Anne Chowder is a hearty, comforting seafood soup featuring tender fish, crabmeat, and sharp Cheddar cheese, blended with potatoes, celery, and onions. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it perfect for a cozy meal, showcasing classic New England seafood chowder with a cheesy twist.
Ingredients
- 2 cups thinly sliced onions ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 2 cups diced potatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound cod or haddock, skinned, boned and cut into pieces ⓘ
- 1 (7 1/2 oz) can crabmeat, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 10 oz shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook fish and set aside.
- Cook onions in butter until tender. Blend in flour.
- Stir in water, potatoes, celery, and seasonings. Cover and simmer 20 to 25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Add remaining ingredients. Stir until cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, sauté the onions until they are slightly caramelized before adding the flour. If you don't have cod or haddock, substitute with a firm white fish like tilapia. For a richer taste, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also add a splash of white wine for a hint of acidity that complements the seafood beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cape Anne Chowder with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. A side salad, such as a refreshing Pineapple And Shrimp Salad, pairs wonderfully with this dish. For a complete meal, consider adding a light dessert like sorbet to cleanse the palate after the rich chowder.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the chowder thickens too much, add a splash of milk or water to achieve your desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cape Anne Chowder contains roughly 1295 calories, with 22g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and potassium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1626mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fish for this chowder?
Yes, frozen fish can be used if it is thawed and properly drained before cooking. Just ensure that it is fully cooked before adding it to the chowder to maintain the best texture and flavor.
What can I do if my chowder is too thick?
If your chowder turns out too thick, simply stir in a little extra milk or water to achieve your desired consistency. It's always best to add liquid gradually until you reach the perfect thickness.
How can I make this chowder dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond milk or coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Ensure that the butter is replaced with a plant-based margarine for a completely dairy-free chowder.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).