This creamy New England fish chowder is delightfully light yet packed with hearty chunks of fresh fish and potatoes, delivering a delicate and satisfying flavor. The best part? This Maine haddock chowder is incredibly simple to prepare!
INGREDIENTS
- 3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound fresh haddock or cod fillets, checked for bones
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
- Cold water
- Fresh minced chives and oyster crackers for garnish (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the potatoes and onions by dicing them into small pieces.
Pro Tip: To keep the diced potatoes from browning, store them in cold water until ready to use. - In a soup pot, melt half the butter over medium-low heat. Add the onions and bay leaf, cooking and stirring until the onions are translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot and pour in just enough cold water to cover them and the onions. Cover the pot and simmer gently until the potatoes are fork-tender, approximately 10 minutes.
- Lay the fish fillets over the cooked potatoes and onions. Pour in the evaporated milk and half-and-half or cream. Do not stir. Cover the pot and simmer gently for about 15 minutes, ensuring the liquid does not come to a boil.
- Check to ensure the potatoes are fully tender and the fish is cooked through, flaking apart easily. Add the remaining butter, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Gently stir to combine and break the fish into smaller pieces. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve the chowder warm, garnished with fresh minced chives and accompanied by oyster crackers or hot biscuits, if desired.
NOTES
- This New England-style fish chowder is creamy with a light, milky broth, gently thickened by the potatoes. It comes together in about an hour.
- For extra flavor, consider adding bacon and thyme. Cook a few slices of bacon with the onions at the start, and add a sprig of thyme along with the bay leaf.
- Best enjoyed within 1–2 days of preparation.
NUTRITION
- Calories: 432 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 133 mg
- Sodium: 1246 mg
- Potassium: 943 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Vitamin A: 951 IU
- Vitamin C: 27 mg
- Calcium: 67 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
