Halibut chowder is a delicious and comforting seafood dish that is perfect for warming up on a chilly day. Made with tender halibut fillets, vegetables, and a creamy broth, this chowder is both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, this halibut chowder is sure to impress. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make this flavorful dish step by step, so you can enjoy a bowl of homemade chowder in no time.
Ingredients for Hearty Halibut Chowder
To make this delicious chowder, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Halibut Fillets:
- 1 pound halibut fillets, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- Vegetables:
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- Broth:
- 4 cups fish or vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Creamy Base:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Hearty Halibut Chowder
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Potatoes and Broth:
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot, along with the fish or vegetable broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Base:
- In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine the Chowder:
- Once the potatoes are tender, add the halibut pieces to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Stir in the creamy base, mixing well to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the chowder is heated through.
- Serve:
- Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot, with crusty bread or crackers on the side.
About the Main Ingredients
- Halibut Fillets:
- Halibut is a lean and mild-flavored fish that is perfect for chowder. It cooks quickly and flakes beautifully, adding a tender texture to the soup. Look for fresh halibut fillets for the best flavor.
- Vegetables:
- Onions, celery, carrots, and potatoes are classic chowder vegetables that add flavor, texture, and heartiness to the dish. They also provide a nice contrast to the tender halibut.
- Broth:
- Fish or vegetable broth forms the base of the chowder, providing a savory flavor and a rich broth. You can use store-bought broth or make your own for a more homemade touch.
- Creamy Base:
- The creamy base of the chowder is made with butter, flour, milk, and heavy cream. This combination creates a thick and creamy texture that coats the vegetables and fish, creating a luscious soup.
- Seasonings:
- Dried thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper add warmth and depth to the chowder. Adjust the seasonings to your taste, adding more or less cayenne pepper depending on your desired level of heat.
