Name: Easy Seafood Chowder Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 small potato (about 150g), cut into 2cm cubes; 1 celery stick, finely chopped; 1 shallot, peeled and finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, grated; 75g fresh or frozen sweetcorn or peas (or a mixture); ½ tbsp roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley, plus extra to serve (optional); 1 small lemon, zested and juiced; ½ tbsp vegetable oil; 200ml semi-skimmed or whole milk; 100ml vegetable or fish stock; 80g frozen prawns or smoked fish; 1 tbsp plain flour; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Crusty bread, to serve (optional)

Introduction

This easy seafood chowder is a comforting and creamy dish perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with tender potatoes, sweetcorn, and flavorful prawns or smoked fish, it’s a delightful way to enjoy seafood at home. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a simple recipe that brings warmth and taste to your table.

A white bowl filled with creamy seafood chowder sits on a round plate, all on a white marbled surface. The chowder has visible layers of pink shrimp, bright yellow corn kernels, green peas, and chunks of potatoes in a thick, creamy white base sprinkled with chopped green herbs and black pepper. A spoon is placed inside the bowl, partly submerged in the soup. Nearby, a small white bowl with ground black pepper and a piece of torn crusty bread rest on a dark green cloth. A glass of water is also visible at the top right. The scene is bright and inviting, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 small potato (about 150g), cut into 2cm cubes

½ tbsp vegetable oil

1 celery stick, finely chopped

1 shallot, peeled and finely chopped

1 garlic clove, grated

1 tbsp plain flour

200ml semi-skimmed or whole milk

100ml vegetable or fish stock

80g frozen prawns or smoked fish

75g fresh or frozen sweetcorn or peas (or use a mixture)

1 small lemon, zested and juiced

½ tbsp roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley, plus extra to serve (optional)

Crusty bread, to serve (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the potato cubes in a small saucepan and cover with cold salted water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5-6 minutes until just softened. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and shallot, cooking for 3 minutes until softened. Add the grated garlic and fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Stir in the plain flour and cook for 1 minute. Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously until a thick sauce forms.

Step 4: Stir in the stock and simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly again.

Step 5: Add the prawns or smoked fish, vegetables, and cooked potatoes to the sauce. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables have defrosted (if frozen) and the seafood is cooked through.

Step 6: When the chowder is creamy and coats the back of a spoon, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and up to 50ml water if the chowder is too thick. Season with salt, black pepper, and the chopped parsley.

Step 7: Serve the chowder in bowls, topped with extra black pepper and parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a richer chowder, use whole milk or add a splash of cream before serving.

Feel free to swap prawns for cooked crab meat or white fish fillets for variety.

Add diced carrots or leeks along with the celery for extra vegetable goodness.

If you prefer a thicker chowder, reduce the amount of water or milk slightly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh seafood instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh seafood can be used. Just ensure it is cooked thoroughly during the simmering step, adjusting the cooking time if needed.

Is it possible to make this chowder dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the milk with coconut milk or a plant-based milk alternative and use a vegetable stock to keep it dairy-free and flavorful.

Dinner

Easy Seafood Chowder Recipe