Classic Manhattan Seafood Chowder
A rich and nutritious Western-style Manhattan seafood chowder featuring tender shrimp, clams, squid, and fish fillet in a smooth, creamy base.
Manhattan seafood chowder is a classic comfort dish prized for its luxurious texture and vibrant blend of ocean flavors. Built upon a savory base of bacon, onions, and aromatic vegetables, this hearty soup harmonizes fresh seafood with a rich, velvety broth.
Ingredients
- 50 g bacon
- 1 onion
- 30 g butter
- 150 g mixed colorful vegetables
- 100 ml white wine
- 500 ml seafood broth or water
- 200 ml milk
- 100 ml heavy cream
- 200 g shrimp
- 200 g clams
- 150 g squid rings
- 200 g fish fillet
- to taste salt and pepper
- optional fresh herbs and paprika for garnish
Instructions
- 1Sauté Bacon and Onions
Melt butter in a pan over medium heat, then add diced bacon and onions. Stir and sauté until the onions become translucent and caramelized, and the bacon renders its rich flavor.
Tip: Keep the heat at medium to prevent the butter from burning while building a savory base. - 2Add Mixed Vegetables
Add finely diced mixed colorful vegetables into the pan with the sautéed bacon and onions. Stir continuously to combine all the ingredients evenly and let them cook together.
Tip: Dice the vegetables uniformly so they cook at an even rate. - 3Deglaze with White Wine
Pour white wine into the pan over the sautéed vegetables and bacon mixture. Stir well to scrape up any browned fond stuck to the bottom of the pan and allow the alcohol to cook off.
Tip: White wine adds a bright acidity that balances the richness of the chowder base. - 4Simmer the Mixture
Pour liquid into the pan to submerge the vegetable and bacon mixture, bringing it to a simmer. Let the ingredients cook together to meld their flavors deeply into the liquid base.
Tip: Simmer gently so the vegetables soften without turning mushy. - 5Whisk the Soup Base
Use a whisk to stir the soup base thoroughly in the pot, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture without any lumps. Use a ladle to check the consistency as it simmers.
Tip: Whisking vigorously helps emulsify the dairy and broth components for a velvety finish. - 6Add Milk and Cream
Pour milk and cream into the simmering soup mixture while stirring gently to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
Tip: Add the dairy over a gentle simmer to prevent curdling.
