Healthy Seafood Chowder

This Healthy Seafood Chowder is a delicious, comforting dish packed with tender shrimp, cod, and flavorful vegetables, all simmered in a savory clam broth. Light yet creamy, it’s a perfect meal for any season, offering a fresh and wholesome take on a classic seafood chowder.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This seafood chowder is both rich and light, with the perfect balance of flavors. The combination of shrimp, cod, and fennel creates a savory base that’s enhanced by the natural sweetness of the vegetables and the depth of the clam broth. The addition of heavy cream provides just the right amount of richness, while keeping the dish on the lighter side. Ready in just 45 minutes, this chowder is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you’re craving something cozy and nutritious.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion

• 1 large bulb fennel (about 2 1/4 cups), cored and sliced

• 1 pound red potatoes, diced

• 2 cups diagonally sliced carrots

• 4 (8 oz) bottles clam juice

• 1 cup water

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

• 1/8 teaspoon thyme

• 1 pound cod fillet, cut into chunks

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook Onion and Fennel:
   In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and fennel. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 10 minutes.

2. Add Vegetables and Broth:
   Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, clam juice, water, salt, pepper, and thyme to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the vegetables are just tender, about 10 minutes.

3. Add Seafood:
   Add the cod chunks and shrimp to the pot. Simmer, covered, until the seafood is opaque, about 5 minutes.

4. Add Cream and Finish:
   Gently stir in the heavy whipping cream and heat through, ensuring it doesn’t boil.

5. Serve:
   Sprinkle the chowder with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 10 cups

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like celery, corn, or leeks for extra flavor and texture.

• Dairy-Free Version: To make this chowder dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chowder for a spicy twist.

• Different Seafood: Use other seafood like scallops, mussels, or even crab for a different take on the recipe.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp and cod. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the chowder.

2. Can I use a different type of fish for the chowder?

Yes, you can substitute the cod with other white fish like halibut, tilapia, or haddock.

3. Is there a way to make this chowder thicker?

If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup or add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water) and stir it in until the desired consistency is reached.

4. Can I make this chowder ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the chowder in advance. It stores well in the refrigerator for a few days, and the flavors will develop further as it sits.

5. Can I freeze this chowder?

Yes, you can freeze the chowder. Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop.

6. Can I use vegetable broth instead of clam juice?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version. However, it will change the flavor profile slightly.

7. Can I skip the fennel?

If you’re not a fan of fennel, you can skip it or substitute with celery for a similar texture and flavor.

8. How do I know when the seafood is cooked?

The seafood is cooked when it becomes opaque and firm. For shrimp, the color will change from translucent to a pinkish-orange, and for cod, it will flake easily when tested with a fork.

9. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this chowder in a slow cooker. Add the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding the seafood in the last 30 minutes of cooking and stirring in the cream before serving.

10. Can I make this soup spicier?

Yes, you can add more pepper or hot sauce to suit your spice preference.

Conclusion

This Healthy Seafood Chowder is the perfect blend of creamy and light, with tender seafood and a deliciously rich broth. Packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients, it’s an easy-to-make, comforting soup that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly day or want a healthy option that’s packed with seafood, this chowder delivers both warmth and flavor in every bite. Enjoy!

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