Seafood Chowder Base
A rich and creamy seafood chowder with aromatic herbs, perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting meal highlighting fresh seafood flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Peel and dice the potatoes; add to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Pour in the whole milk and cream; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the fish or seafood to the mixture and cook until heated through, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the salt, basil, parsley, thyme, and crushed pepper (or substitute with two Swiss Knorr fish bouillon cubes).
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade seafood stock instead of cream. If you want a lighter version, substitute half of the cream with additional milk. Fresh herbs are always best, but dried herbs can work in a pinch. To save time, use pre-diced frozen potatoes. This chowder can also be enhanced with ingredients from American recipes like Fay'S Green Peppers or even some corn for sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with extra parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Tuna Casserole With Noodles or a light seafood dish like Low Country Marinated Shrimp.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore the desired consistency. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can unevenly heat the soup.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seafood Chowder Base contains roughly 1850 calories, with 38g protein, 236g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value), iron (104% of the Daily Value), and potassium (85% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2101mg per serving (91% 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 seafood for this chowder?
Yes, frozen seafood works well in this chowder. Just ensure it's fully thawed and drained before adding it to the pot. Cook it for a few extra minutes to ensure it's heated through, as frozen seafood may take longer to warm up.
What can I use instead of potatoes?
If you prefer not to use potatoes, you can substitute them with cauliflower florets for a low-carb option or corn for sweetness. Both alternatives will add texture and flavor to your chowder while keeping it creamy.
How can I make this chowder spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chowder. You can also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick. Additionally, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can enhance the dish without overpowering the seafood flavors.
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).