New England Fish Chowder
A hearty New England fish chowder featuring tender haddock or cod, smoky salt pork, and fresh vegetables simmered in a creamy broth. This comforting dish offers a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors, making it ideal for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer haddock or cod, covered, in boiling water for 15 minutes.
- Drain the fish, reserving the broth, and remove the bones from the fish.
- Saute diced salt pork until crisp; remove and set aside.
- Saute chopped onion in pork drippings until golden brown.
- Add the fish, diced potato, chopped celery, crumbled bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the onion.
- Pour in the fish broth and add enough boiling water to make 1 1/2 cups of liquid.
- Simmer the mixture, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Add milk and butter; simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve the chowder sprinkled with the diced salt pork.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider adding a splash of heavy cream along with the milk. If you can't find salt pork, diced bacon is a good substitute. Additionally, using fresh herbs like thyme or dill can enhance the flavor profile. Be sure to cut the potato into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking. This chowder is reminiscent of other comforting American recipes, making it a delightful choice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chowder hot, garnished with the crispy salt pork on top. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or oyster crackers for added texture. A light salad or steamed vegetables can complement the meal nicely. For a twist, try serving it alongside Donna'S Pork Chops for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so slowly on the stovetop over low heat to prevent curdling of the milk. You may need to add a splash of water or milk to bring it back to the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New England Fish Chowder contains roughly 1002 calories, with 35g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (130% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2345mg per serving (102% 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, you can use frozen haddock or cod. Just ensure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking. This will help maintain the texture of the fish and prevent excess moisture from making the chowder watery.
Is it possible to make this chowder dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative, like almond or coconut milk. Just ensure that the substitute you choose has a neutral flavor to avoid altering the taste of the chowder.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the chowder?
Consider adding a splash of white wine or Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also elevate the dish. A bit of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors beautifully.
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).