Seafood Chowder
Seafood chowder combines tender shellfish, fish, and pasta in a rich, flavorful broth infused with garlic, herbs, and wine. This hearty dish is perfect for seafood lovers seeking a comforting, creamy soup with layers of savory taste and a hint of spice, ideal for a cozy meal or special gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups small shell macaroni
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can minced clams
- 1 (8 oz.) can oysters ⓘ
- shrimp ⓘ
- cod fillets ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chicken stock base ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- chopped pimiento ⓘ
- bay leaf
- flour ⓘ
- 1/3 cup cold water ⓘ
- green pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the small shell macaroni until tender and drain.
- Saute chopped onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic in butter until fragrant and softened.
- Combine the reserved liquid from the minced clams and oysters, adding water to make 3 cups.
- Add the clam and oyster liquid mixture to the sautéed vegetables.
- Pour in the white wine, add chicken stock base, and season with thyme, nutmeg, pepper, and chopped pimiento.
- Add the bay leaf and simmer the mixture for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked macaroni, chopped shrimp, oysters, and cod fillets.
- Mix flour with cold water to create a slurry and slowly add to the chowder to thicken.
- Pour in the evaporated milk and heat through without boiling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking. If you don't have fresh seafood on hand, frozen shrimp or fish work well as substitutes. Additionally, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock base for a lighter flavor. Remember to stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the seafood chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Ham And Scallion Soup for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop to prevent the seafood from becoming rubbery. You can add a splash of water or broth if the chowder thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seafood Chowder contains roughly 327 calories, with 4g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 26g fat.
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 seafood in this chowder?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix different types of seafood such as scallops, crab meat, or even lobster for a more luxurious chowder. Just ensure that the seafood is fresh and cooked appropriately to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chowder a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator once it's cooled. However, it's best to add the seafood and macaroni just before serving to keep them from becoming overcooked. Reheat gently for the best results.
Can I make this chowder gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Make sure to check all other ingredients, such as the seafood and broth, to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
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).