New England Fish Chowder(Without Salt Pork)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A creamy and hearty New England fish chowder featuring tender fish, potatoes, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting meals and seafood lovers alike.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 lb. haddock or cod
  • 1 medium onion
  • 6 medium potatoes
  • 1 qt. whole milk
  • 1 c. light cream
  • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 5 Tbsp. butter
  • 1/8 tsp. pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. thyme
  • 1/4 tsp. parsley
  • 1/8 tsp. oregano

Instructions

  1. Prepare the fish by cleaning and cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
  3. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the cubed potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Pour in the whole milk and light cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add the salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and oregano (if using).
  7. Carefully add the fish pieces to the simmering broth.
  8. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the fish is tender and cooked through.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer chowder, consider adding a splash of white wine to the broth before adding the fish. You can substitute the haddock or cod with other firm fish like tilapia or even shrimp for a twist. If you want a thicker chowder, mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor—try using dill instead of thyme.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chowder hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a classic pairing. It also goes well with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. For an added touch, garnish each bowl with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika. This dish pairs beautifully with a light white wine.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens too much, add a bit more milk or cream to reach your desired consistency before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of New England Fish Chowder(Without Salt Pork) contains roughly 1388 calories, with 33g protein, 225g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (230% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (225% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 65g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1388 kcal 69% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 33.4g 67% DV
Total Fat 51g 65% DV
Carbs 224.7g 82% DV
Fiber 64.5g 100% DV
Sugar 9.7g 19% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 333.6mg 15% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV
Cholesterol 9.7mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 118mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 202.6mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 1700.7mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Fish

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, frozen fish can be used if it's thawed completely before cooking. Just ensure it's well-drained to avoid excess water in the chowder. Fresh fish will provide the best flavor and texture, but frozen is a convenient alternative if fresh isn't available.

How can I make this chowder gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn't call for any flour or gluten-containing ingredients. Just ensure that any additional seasonings or broth used are labeled gluten-free. You can also serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers.

What type of potatoes work best for chowder?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well and are ideal for chowder. They provide a creamy texture without breaking down too much. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets as they can become mushy in the broth.

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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