Spicy Tomato-Fish Chowder
A vibrant, spicy tomato-fish chowder featuring tender fish, shrimp, and crab meat, enhanced with herbs and a hint of heat, perfect for seafood lovers seeking bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 tsp olive oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes, peeled, cored, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 1 can (large) low-salt tomatoes, chopped with juice ⓘ
- 1 tsp dried basil, crumbled
- 2 tbsp minced parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano, crumbled ⓘ
- pinch of cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 cups water ⓘ
- 1/2 lb cod or haddock, cut into bite-sized pieces ⓘ
- shrimp, cleaned ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil over moderate heat; add the garlic, chopped tomatoes, basil, oregano, cayenne pepper, and white wine or chicken broth.
- Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Add the water, cover, and bring to a simmer for about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the cod or haddock and shrimp, and cook uncovered for about 5 minutes until seafood is cooked through.
- Ladle the chowder into bowls and top with a tablespoon or two of fresh crab meat.
- Sprinkle with minced parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. If you don’t have cod or haddock, any firm white fish will work. For a vegetarian version, substitute the fish with hearty vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can also be great additions for a more aromatic profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh crab meat adds a touch of elegance. This dish pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes, making it a versatile choice for any seafood lover. Consider serving it alongside a chilled white wine for the perfect dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the seafood. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the chowder if it thickens too much in the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Tomato-Fish Chowder contains roughly 404 calories, with 32g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (63% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1390mg per serving (60% 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, you can use frozen seafood, but be sure to thaw it properly beforehand. This will help ensure even cooking and maintain the texture of the seafood in your chowder. Just add it when instructed and cook until heated through.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, chicken broth is an excellent substitute. It will still provide depth and flavor to the chowder. Alternatively, you can use vegetable broth for a lighter taste or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
How can I make this chowder spicier?
To increase the heat in your chowder, simply add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños or other hot peppers while cooking. Additionally, a few dashes of hot sauce can elevate the spice level without altering the overall flavor too much.
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).