If you are craving something heartwarming and satisfying, this Cozy Salmon Chowder Recipe is sure to become your new go-to comfort food. It’s a luscious, creamy soup filled with tender chunks of fresh salmon, silky potatoes, and vibrant vegetables all simmered in a flavorful broth. Each spoonful offers a perfect balance of richness and freshness, making it ideal for chilly evenings or any time you want a soothing, nourishing meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating this delicious chowder. These simple staples combine beautifully to deliver layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish truly special.
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into chunks: The star protein providing tender, flaky bites packed with omega-3 goodness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter: Adds a silky base and helps sauté the vegetables for maximum flavor.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Creates a sweet, aromatic foundation for the chowder.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a gentle warmth and depth that brightens the broth.
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced: Gives a subtle sweetness and lovely color contrast.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Adds fresh, herbal notes and a satisfying bite.
- 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed: The creamy texture and slight earthiness make the chowder hearty and comforting.
- 4 cups low-sodium fish stock or chicken broth: Builds a rich, flavorful base without overpowering the salmon.
- 1 cup whole milk: Provides smooth creaminess while keeping the chowder light.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives luscious richness and velvety texture.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds subtle, complex herbal undertones during simmering.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh): Enhances the dish with a fragrant, earthy aroma.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Balances and elevates all the natural flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped: Brings a fresh, bright note that complements the salmon perfectly.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional): Adds a refreshing zing that lightens the creamy texture.
How to Make Cozy Salmon Chowder Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and gently cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn translucent and aromatic. This step builds the essential flavor base that carries through the entire chowder.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Vegetables
Next, stir in the minced garlic alongside the diced carrots and chopped celery. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma, making the pot smell incredibly inviting.
Step 3: Incorporate Potatoes, Bay Leaf, and Thyme
Now it’s time to add the cubed Yukon Gold potatoes for that creamy texture, along with a bay leaf and thyme to infuse delicate herbal notes. Pour in the fish stock or chicken broth, then bring the mixture up to a boil. This combination helps develop a deep, savory flavor foundation.
Step 4: Simmer Until Potatoes Are Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes. This allows the potatoes to become perfectly tender, thickening the chowder and making every bite satisfyingly soft.
Step 5: Stir in Milk and Cream
Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream to introduce luscious creaminess. Lower the heat to keep the chowder at a gentle simmer, and be careful not to let it boil, which keeps the texture silky and prevents any curdling.
Step 6: Poach the Salmon Chunks
Gently add the salmon chunks, cover the pot, and let the fish poach in the creamy soup for about 5 to 7 minutes. The result is tender, flaky salmon pieces that meld beautifully with the chowder’s rich flavors.
Step 7: Finish with Seasonings
Season the chowder with salt, freshly ground black pepper, plenty of chopped fresh dill, and a squeeze of lemon juice if you like a hint of brightness. Let it rest for a few minutes so the flavors can harmonize perfectly.
Step 8: Ready to Serve!
Your Cozy Salmon Chowder Recipe is now ready to be savored. Ladle it into bowls, garnish with extra dill, and prepare for some unforgettable comfort in every spoonful.
How to Serve Cozy Salmon Chowder Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill, chopped parsley, or even a small drizzle of olive oil can make your chowder pop visually and flavor-wise. A light sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a tiny pinch of smoked paprika adds an adventurous kick.
Side Dishes
The chowder pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm baguette slices to soak up every creamy bit. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness and provide a refreshing contrast on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chowder in rustic bowls or hollowed-out mini bread loaves for a cozy, inviting presentation. Top with a sprinkle of crunchy roasted pumpkin seeds or crispy bacon bits for an unexpected texture burst.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chowder in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors tend to meld even more after resting, making it taste just as good or better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the chowder, but keep in mind the potatoes may soften further, and the creaminess can slightly separate. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to keep the chowder smooth and prevent curdling. Avoid boiling to preserve that cozy, velvety texture you love in this Cozy Salmon Chowder Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this chowder?
Yes, frozen salmon works well if fresh is not available. Just thaw it completely before adding to the chowder to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
Is this chowder suitable for dairy-free diets?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the milk and cream with coconut milk or another plant-based milk, and use olive oil instead of butter. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add other seafood to the Cozy Salmon Chowder Recipe?
Absolutely! Shrimp, scallops, or firm white fish can be added for variety. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid overcooking delicate seafood.
What is the best way to thicken the chowder if it feels too thin?
If you prefer a thicker chowder, mash a few of the cooked potatoes in the pot or add a slurry of flour and water during the simmering step to achieve your desired consistency.
How spicy is this chowder?
This chowder is naturally mild and creamy, making it the perfect comfort food. If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while seasoning.
Final Thoughts
This Cozy Salmon Chowder Recipe is a true treasure for anyone who loves a comforting, nourishing meal with little fuss but maximum flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a quiet night in, it brings warmth and joy with every spoonful. I hope you have as much fun making it as you do savoring it—happy cooking!
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Cozy Salmon Chowder Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Cozy Salmon Chowder is a warm, comforting soup perfect for chilly days. Made with tender chunks of fresh salmon, aromatic vegetables, creamy milk and cream, and fragrant herbs, this chowder is rich in flavor and easy to prepare. It balances hearty ingredients with a light, creamy broth, making it a delightful meal for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups low-sodium fish stock or chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent, creating a flavorful base for the chowder.
- Add Garlic and Vegetables: Stir in minced garlic, diced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Add Potatoes and Herbs: Add cubed Yukon Gold potatoes, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot. Pour in the low-sodium fish stock or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Potatoes: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes until the potatoes are tender but still intact, ensuring a creamy texture without losing shape.
- Add Cream and Milk: Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream, lowering the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook for another 5 minutes without boiling to thicken the chowder gently.
- Poach Salmon: Add the salmon chunks to the chowder, cover the pot, and let them poach in the hot broth for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
- Season and Rest: Season the chowder with salt, black pepper, fresh dill, and lemon juice if using. Allow the chowder to rest for a few minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chowder hot, garnished with extra fresh dill. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the chowder.
- For a richer chowder, substitute some of the milk with additional cream.
- You can substitute fresh thyme with dried if fresh is not available, adjusting quantity accordingly.
- Leave the skin on the salmon if preferred; just be sure to remove bones.
- Pair the chowder with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a classic experience.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated on the stovetop.
