Hearty Vegetable Seafood Chowder
A hearty seafood and vegetable chowder with tender fish, mixed vegetables, and a flavorful tomato base, perfect for comforting family meals or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup red and green pepper, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 lb. cod, haddock or other whitefish ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 6 oz. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) box frozen mixed vegetables ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried parsley ⓘ
- 4 oz. frozen shrimp (optional) ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 8 slices French bread ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped peppers; sauté until tender.
- Remove skin and bones from the fish; cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Add the fish to the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring gently, until the fish is opaque.
- Add crushed tomatoes with all canning liquids, frozen mixed vegetables, bay leaf, and seasonings.
- If desired, add frozen shrimp at this point.
- Reduce heat, cover the pan, and cook until vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking. You can substitute the cod or haddock with any firm white fish you prefer. If you don't have frozen mixed vegetables, fresh vegetables like carrots and peas work well too. To enhance the flavor, sprinkle some Fried Fish Seasoning on the fish before adding it to the pot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for extra color. It pairs beautifully with 8 slices of toasted French bread for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a simple green salad or a side of hot crabmeat quiche. This chowder can also be a hearty starter for a seafood-themed dinner.
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. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but do so in short bursts to avoid overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Vegetable Seafood Chowder contains roughly 1259 calories, with 35g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (138% of the Daily Value), protein (69% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1556mg per serving (68% 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 make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, this chowder can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often deepen when it sits. Just be sure to store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving. If making ahead, consider undercooking the vegetables slightly so they don't become too soft when reheated.
What can I use instead of shrimp?
If you prefer not to use shrimp or want a different protein, you can substitute with cooked crab meat or even extra fish. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the seafood and add more vegetables or a can of drained beans for added protein.
How do I thicken the chowder?
To thicken the chowder, you can mash a portion of the cooked vegetables or add a slurry made from cornstarch and water. Alternatively, adding a small amount of instant potato flakes can also help achieve a thicker consistency without altering the flavor.
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).