Salmon Chowder Recipe
Salmon Chowder is a hearty and comforting soup combining tender chunks of salmon with a creamy broth enriched by potatoes, corn, and a classic mirepoix base of onion, celery, and carrot. This classic dish offers a delicate balance of rich seafood flavor and velvety texture, perfect for warming meals and adaptable to a variety of tastes and dietary needs.
- Author: Lena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup carrot, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 pound salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, forming the base flavors of the chowder.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, enhancing the aromatic profile.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring well to combine the liquids with the sautéed vegetables, creating the creamy chowder base.
- Cook Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Cook Salmon and Corn: Gently add the salmon chunks and corn kernels to the pot. Continue simmering gently for 5-7 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and is cooked through without overcooking.
- Season: Stir in the fresh thyme, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning carefully to enhance the flavors without overpowering the delicate salmon.
- Add Optional Garnishes: If desired, stir in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for brightness and sprinkle fresh parsley over the chowder before serving to add a fresh, herbal note and vibrant color.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative such as almond or oat milk and omit any cheese if added.
- Fresh salmon is recommended over canned for best flavor and texture.
- To add depth, consider a splash of white wine or a dash of liquid smoke when adding liquids.
- This chowder can be thickened with a cornstarch slurry or roux if a creamier texture is preferred.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for a satisfying meal.
- Leftovers taste better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully.
Keywords: salmon chowder, creamy salmon soup, seafood chowder, easy chowder recipe, comfort food, dinner soup, New England style chowder