Seafood Chowder with Bacon and Thyme

Ingredients for Seafood Chowder with Bacon and Thyme

• 675g Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 large potatoes)

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 110g high-quality bacon, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 4 slices)

• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced on a bias (about 120ml )

• 2 medium leeks, white and light-green parts only, halved and thinly sliced (about 230g )

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

• 900g skinless haddock (or cod) fillets, cut into 2-inch cubes

• 1.4kg mixed littleneck clams and cockles, rinsed and scrubbed

• 475ml double cream

• Ground white pepper

• 1/4 cup freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley

• Crusty bread, for serving

In a large pot, bring about 1200ml water to a boil, add the potatoes, and simmer until potatoes are cooked through but firm, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain potatoes over a large bowl, reserving cooking liquid. (If making chowder ahead of time, let potatoes cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to serve soup.)

Meanwhile, in a large 5-quart pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add bacon, stirring occasionally, until fat is rendered and bacon begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Add celery, leeks, and garlic, and cook until vegetables are translucent, about 6 minutes. Stir in reserved potato cooking liquid, 1/2 teaspoons salt, and thyme. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Turn down the heat, cover, and simmer until liquid is opaque and flavorful, about 30 minutes.

When ready to serve, bring soup base to a boil over medium-high heat. Add cooked potatoes, reduce heat to medium, and simmer. When potatoes are heated through, gently add the fish and the clams, nestling them in the broth. Cover the pot and simmer until clams open and fish is opaque and cooked through, 7 to 9 minutes. Add cream and pepper and bring to a simmer again. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish chowder with parsley and serve with crusty bread.

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.