Description
A rich and hearty chowder combining juicy shrimp, crispy bacon, sweet corn, and tender potatoes in a creamy, flavorful broth, perfect for a comforting meal any day.
Ingredients
Seafood and Meat
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
Dairy and Broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups chicken or seafood broth
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
Other
- 2 tablespoons flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté Onion: Melt butter in the bacon fat, then add the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux.
- Incorporate Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken or seafood broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook Potatoes: Add diced potatoes to the simmering broth and cook until they are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add Corn and Dairy: Stir in the corn kernels, milk, and heavy cream to the pot, warming through gently without boiling aggressively.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and are just cooked through, approximately 3-5 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp tender.
- Finish and Season: Return the crispy bacon to the pot, season the chowder with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir well.
- Serve: Ladle the chowder into bowls and serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like thyme.
Notes
- Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Fresh or frozen corn kernels can be used based on availability.
- Adding thyme or other herbs can enhance the flavor profile of the chowder.
- For gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
