Nova Scotia Fish Chowder
A hearty Nova Scotia fish chowder featuring tender haddock, smoky salt pork, and creamy potatoes, perfect for comforting family meals or seafood lovers seeking rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute salt pork cut into small pieces until lightly browned.
- Add finely chopped onion and cook slowly until tender, without browning.
- Add diced potatoes and 2 cups water, then bring to a simmer.
- Add cut-up haddock fillets and simmer gently, stirring often.
- In a separate pot, heat milk, ground soda crackers, butter, parsley, and seasonings.
- Combine the fish mixture with the milk mixture and stir over low heat until thoroughly blended and thickened.
- Never allow the chowder to boil during the final mixing.
- Serve hot, enjoying the rich, smoky, and creamy flavors of this traditional fish chowder.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked haddock instead of fresh. You can substitute salt pork with pancetta or bacon for a different taste. If you're looking for a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of whole milk. Remember, the key to a great chowder is to avoid boiling during the final mixing stage to keep it creamy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of Potato Salad German Style for a hearty meal. Consider adding a sprinkle of paprika or freshly cracked pepper on top for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chowder on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may curdle the milk.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nova Scotia Fish Chowder contains roughly 3853 calories, with 94g protein, 283g carbohydrates, and 279g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (461% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (328% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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
Is it possible to make this chowder ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chowder a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator after it cools. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently to ensure even heating.
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).