Seafood Chowder Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cups potatoes, diced
• 3 cups seafood stock or fish stock
• 1 cup water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 pound mixed seafood (such as shrimp, scallops, and/or white fish), peeled and deveined if necessary
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Oyster crackers or crusty bread (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

• Cook Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
• Saute Vegetables: Add diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrots to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in diced potatoes, seafood or fish stock, water, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
• Add Cream and Seafood: Stir in heavy cream and mixed seafood. Cook gently over medium heat until seafood is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcooking the seafood to keep it tender.
• Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove bay leaf before serving. Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and reserved crispy bacon. Serve hot with oyster crackers or crusty bread.

Enjoy your delicious seafood chowder!