White Conch Chowder
White Conch Chowder offers a rich, hearty flavor with tender conch meat combined with smoky bacon, savory vegetables, and a creamy finish. Perfect for seafood lovers and those seeking a comforting, flavorful dish, it showcases Caribbean-inspired tastes with a smooth, satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- 2 large conch, mantle included, pounded ⓘ
- 2 slices bacon, chopped ⓘ
- 2 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped ⓘ
- 2 potatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 2 carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 3 cups water ⓘ
- 3 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- pinch cayenne pepper ⓘ
- pinch rosemary ⓘ
- 2 tbsp parsley ⓘ
- 1 can (6 oz.) evaporated milk ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Pound and dice the conch meat.
- Fry the chopped bacon until crispy.
- Sauté the chopped onions in the bacon drippings.
- Add the diced conch and cook briefly.
- Add all other ingredients except the evaporated milk.
- Simmer the mixture for one hour.
- Stir in the evaporated milk and heat through before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, ensure your conch is pounded evenly, which helps tenderize the meat. If fresh conch is unavailable, canned conch can be a substitute but adjust cooking time accordingly. When sautéing the onions, add a splash of white wine for depth. Feel free to add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick, or substitute potatoes with sweet potatoes for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a more filling option, consider serving alongside a light Chicken Soup With Matzo Balls to create a comforting multi-course experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover White Conch Chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency. Avoid boiling to prevent the evaporated milk from curdling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of White Conch Chowder contains roughly 1348 calories, with 48g protein, 187g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (242% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (194% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (142% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1464mg per serving (64% 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 make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chowder a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I use instead of conch?
If conch is hard to find, shrimp or scallops make excellent substitutes, providing a similar texture and flavor profile. Adjust cooking times as necessary, since these seafood options cook faster than conch.
Is this chowder spicy?
The chowder has a mild heat from the cayenne pepper, which you can adjust to your taste. If you prefer a spicier version, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce during cooking.
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).