Skip to main content

Cod Chowder with Saffron and Fingerling Potatoes

This elegant cod chowder with saffron and potatoes is a sophisticated take on a classic coastal favourite. The combination of delicate white fish and earthy saffron creates a beautifully balanced broth that is both light and satisfying. Fragrant leeks and salty bacon provide a savoury base, while the fingerling potatoes add a lovely texture to every spoonful. It is a wonderful way to enjoy high-protein seafood with a touch of Mediterranean flair.

Ideal for a weeknight treat or a relaxed weekend dinner with friends, this one-pot recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare. Using cod fillets rather than smaller chunks ensures the fish remains moist and flaky. Serve this comforting dish in warmed bowls with a side of crusty sourdough bread to soak up the fragrant, creamy sauce.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Cod Chowder with Saffron and Fingerling Potatoes

  • 4 thick-cut slices bacon (about 110g ), cut into 2-inch pieces

  • 350ml chopped leeks (white and pale green parts only

  • about 2 leeks)

  • 3 230g bottles clam juice

  • 450g fingerling or baby Dutch yellow potatoes, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick rounds

  • 120ml water

  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

  • 1/2 teaspoons crumbled saffron threads

  • 120ml whipping cream

  • 170g cod fillets

How to make Cod Chowder with Saffron and Fingerling Potatoes

Cook bacon in heavy large pot over medium heat until crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Add leeks to same pot. Cover and cook until leeks are very tender, stirring frequently, about 4 minutes. Add clam juice, potatoes, 120ml water, thyme, and saffron. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium and cover. Simmer until potatoes are just tender, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes. Stir in cream and reserved bacon. Season chowder to taste with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle cod with salt and pepper; place atop chowder. Cover and cook until cod is opaque in centre, about 10 minutes.

Using slotted spoon, transfer 1 cod fillet to each of 6 bowls. Ladle chowder over fish and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.