Captain'S Chowder
Captain's Chowder is a hearty seafood soup with smoky bacon, tender shrimp, crab, and creamy vegetables, perfect for seafood lovers and comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chopped bacon in a large pot.
- Add chopped onion and cook until bacon is almost crisp and onion is tender.
- Add the cream of celery soup, white clam chowder, shrimp, crab, evaporated milk, milk, and butter to the pot.
- Heat the mixture thoroughly and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using pancetta instead of bacon. If you want to add more seafood, feel free to include scallops or mussels. To make it lighter, substitute half of the evaporated milk with vegetable broth. You can also add diced potatoes for extra heartiness, similar to recipes like Gran'S Clamchowder.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a delightful crunch. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. For an extra treat, consider offering a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of hot sauce to each bowl.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chowder on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid boiling, as this can change the texture of the seafood.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Captain'S Chowder contains roughly 1104 calories, with 25g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (49% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 fresh seafood instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh shrimp and crab, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Simply add the fresh seafood in the last 5-7 minutes of cooking to ensure it doesn't overcook and remains tender.
Is there a vegetarian version of this chowder?
Absolutely! You can replace the bacon with smoked paprika for flavor and use vegetable broth instead of milk products. Replace seafood with diced vegetables like corn, carrots, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian chowder.
How can I thicken the chowder?
To thicken the chowder, consider adding a slurry of cornstarch and water or mashing some of the potatoes if you've added them. Additionally, cooking it longer can help reduce the liquid and create a thicker consistency.
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).