Description
A rich and hearty chowder combining juicy shrimp, crispy bacon, sweet corn, and tender potatoes in a creamy, flavorful broth. This comforting dish offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, ideal for chilly days or anytime you crave a satisfying soup.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Meat
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
Dairy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Other
- 2 cups chicken or seafood broth
- 2 tablespoons flour (use gluten-free if needed)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot for added flavor.
- Sauté onion: Melt the butter in the same pot with the bacon fat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux, which will help thicken the chowder.
- Add broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken or seafood broth to the pot, making sure the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Cook potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the broth, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add corn and dairy: Stir in the corn kernels, milk, and heavy cream. Heat the mixture gently, ensuring it does not boil to prevent curdling.
- Cook shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot and cook for about 3-5 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook to keep shrimp tender.
- Finish and season: Return the crispy bacon to the pot. Season the chowder with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Optionally, add herbs such as thyme for extra flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Use fresh or frozen corn depending on availability.
- To enhance flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.
- For gluten-free, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour.
- Adjust the thickness of the chowder by varying the amount of broth and cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
