Southwestern Alaska Cod Chowder
A hearty Southwestern Alaska Cod Chowder with smoky bacon, tender fish, sweet potatoes, corn, and a spicy cumin-flavored broth, perfect for comforting and flavorful meals.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. bacon, cut into 1/4 inch pieces ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 2 cans (14 1/2 oz. each) low salt chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) whole peeled tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup white wine ⓘ
- 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 small sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes ⓘ
- 3/4 cup frozen corn kernels ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice ⓘ
- black pepper ⓘ
- chopped cilantro ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute bacon in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until crisp.
- Stir in onions, garlic, cumin, and red pepper flakes.
- Saute for 5 minutes or until onions are soft.
- Remove from heat and stir in flour.
- Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, then gradually whisk in chicken broth.
- Stir in tomatoes, wine, green bell pepper, and sweet potato. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add fish and corn; simmer for 2 to 3 minutes or until fish flakes.
- Season with lime juice and black pepper before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using smoked paprika instead of red pepper flakes for a smoky flavor. If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can blend a portion of the soup before adding the fish. For a healthier twist, substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or omit it entirely. Fresh fish can be replaced with frozen cod if fresh isn't available.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Rice O'Brien to complement the flavors of the chowder.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chowder on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern Alaska Cod Chowder contains roughly 615 calories, with 23g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (201% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), and protein (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 750mg per serving (33% 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 a different type of fish for this chowder?
Yes, you can substitute cod with other firm white fish like halibut or even salmon for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the fish is fresh and cook it until it flakes easily.
What can I do if I don't have white wine?
If you don't have white wine on hand, you can replace it with additional chicken broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity. Just keep the overall balance of flavors in mind.
Is this chowder suitable for freezing?
While the chowder can be frozen, the texture of the fish may change upon thawing. It's best to freeze the base chowder without the fish and add it fresh when you reheat. This keeps the dish's integrity.
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).