Description
Warm up with a bowl of Irish Seafood Chowder—a rich and hearty dish that combines fresh salmon, shrimp, and crabmeat with tender vegetables in a creamy, velvety broth. This traditional Irish recipe is comforting and flavorful, perfect for a chilly day. It’s a wholesome meal that captures the essence of Irish coastal cuisine, with an added touch of luxury from Greek cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 leek, rinsed and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
- 4 potatoes, peeled and chopped (about 4 cups)
- 2 cups fish broth or clam juice (or 2 cups water + 3 tablespoons fish sauce)
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 oz. Greek cream cheese (or Neufchatel)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 cups low-fat milk
- ½ lb. salmon, cut into small pieces
- ½ lb. shrimp, tails removed
- 1 (6 oz.) can crabmeat, drained
- 1 teaspoon tarragon
- ½ teaspoon thyme
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Protein
- In a nonstick soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the seafood (salmon, shrimp, crab) and sauté until cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, sauté leek, celery, carrots, and garlic until the celery is tender.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
- Stir in the potatoes, fish broth, and bay leaf. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Prepare Creamy Base
- In a blender, combine 2 cups of the hot soup, Greek cream cheese, cornstarch, and 1 cup of milk. Blend until smooth.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
- Pour the blended mixture back into the pot. Add the remaining milk, cooked seafood, tarragon, and thyme.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 5 minutes until the shrimp are pink and the salmon is cooked through. Do not let the chowder boil.
Step 6: Season and Serve
- Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
- Seafood Choices: You can substitute or add other seafood like mussels or clams. Adjust the cooking time as necessary.
- Spice Level: For added heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.
