Maine Fish Chowder
A hearty Maine fish chowder featuring tender haddock, potatoes, onions, and smoky salt pork, all simmered in rich milk for a comforting seafood experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slowly cook salt pork or bacon until crisp.
- Pour off most of the fat.
- Add diced onions and cook slowly until yellow.
- Add cubed potatoes and water to nearly cover.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Place cut-up fish on top of the mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add more water if necessary and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook on lowered heat until potatoes are done (about 10 minutes).
- Meanwhile, in the top of a double boiler, heat the milk and butter.
- Add the heated milk and butter to the cooked fish mixture.
- Cool and refrigerate for 8 hours before reheating to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of regular bacon. If you want to reduce the saltiness, soak the salt pork in water for an hour before cooking. You can substitute haddock with cod or another firm white fish if needed. Adjust the milk to your preference for creaminess; adding a splash of white wine can enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad, such as a B. L. T. Salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a light coleslaw or some steamed vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the milk from curdling. You can add a splash of water or additional milk if the chowder thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maine Fish Chowder contains roughly 1982 calories, with 12g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 191g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2057mg per serving (89% 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 other types of fish in this chowder?
Yes, you can substitute haddock with other firm white fish like cod or pollock. Just ensure that the fish is skinned and boned, and adjust cooking times if necessary based on the type of fish used.
How can I make this chowder gluten-free?
This chowder is naturally gluten-free as it doesn't contain any flour or wheat products. Just be sure to check that the bacon and salt pork are gluten-free, as some processed meats can contain gluten.
Can I freeze the chowder for later use?
It's not recommended to freeze chowder with milk, as it can separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the base without milk and then add fresh milk when reheating. This way, you maintain a creamy texture.
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).