Flying Fish Chowder

Prep: 20 min Cook: 100 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Flying Fish Chowder offers a hearty, smoky seafood flavor with a hint of spice and citrus, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a warming, flavorful soup.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 lb. flying fish or other flavorful white fish
  • 3 slices bacon
  • juice of 1 lime
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 2 stalks celery
  • 2 carrots
  • 1 large potato
  • 3 large tomatoes
  • 4 c. water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 oz. dark rum
  • 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp. thyme

Instructions

  1. Boil the fish in water until it flakes.
  2. Place bacon in a skillet and cook until fat is rendered.
  3. Saute the onion, green bell pepper, celery, carrots, and potatoes in the bacon fat for 10 minutes.
  4. Flake the cooked fish into a large stockpot.
  5. Add water, vegetables, bacon, and chopped tomatoes to the stockpot.
  6. Heat to boiling.
  7. Add lime juice, dark rum, cayenne pepper, and thyme.
  8. Cover and lower the heat, then simmer for 1 hour.
  9. Add the rum, cayenne pepper, and thyme, then simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
  10. Serve hot.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon. If flying fish is unavailable, any firm white fish like cod or haddock works well. Adding a splash of hot sauce can enhance the heat if you enjoy spice. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can be added for a fresher taste before serving. To thicken the chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad like Orange Lettuce Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving with sides like Golden Ham Croquettes or Bacon Wraparounds to complement the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover chowder can be stored 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 during storage, add a little water or broth while reheating to reach the desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Flying Fish Chowder contains roughly 669 calories, with 25g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (465% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (207% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 48g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

669 kcal 33% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 25.2g 50% DV
Total Fat 23.4g 30% DV
Carbs 117.6g 43% DV
Fiber 47.6g 100% DV
Sugar 14.1g 28% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 420.3mg 18% DV
Potassium 3081.4mg 66% DV
Cholesterol 15.3mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1866.7mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 418.6mg 100% DV
Calcium 1090.6mg 84% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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, you can use frozen fish. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still be flavorful. Adjust the cooking time if necessary, ensuring the fish is cooked through.

How can I make this chowder dairy-free?

To make this chowder dairy-free, simply omit any cream or milk additions. The natural starches from the potatoes will help create a creamy texture. You can also use coconut milk for a different flavor profile if desired.

What can I do if my chowder is too salty?

If your chowder turns out too salty, adding diced potatoes can help absorb some of the saltiness. Additionally, simmering the chowder with a cut tomato can also balance the flavors. Be sure to taste as you go to avoid over-seasoning.

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).

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