Newfoundland Cod Chowder

Newfoundland Cod Chowder Recipe - Canadian Cuisine

Region / culture: Canada | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Newfoundland Cod Chowder is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This traditional recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple in Newfoundland cuisine.

History

Cod chowder has been a popular dish in Newfoundland for centuries, dating back to the early days of European settlement in the region. Cod was abundant in the waters off the coast of Newfoundland, making it a staple food for the early settlers. Chowder was a way to make a hearty and filling meal using simple ingredients that were readily available.

Ingredients

4 slices of bacon
2 onions, sliced
1 tsp of summer savory
6 potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 carrots, sliced
4 cups of water
1 tsp of salt
1.5 lb (680 g) of fresh Atlantic cod fillets, if possible
1 can of evaporated milk
white pepper to taste
2 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley or chives

How to prepare

In a large, heavy saucepan, cook the bacon over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes or until it becomes crisp.
Chop the bacon coarsely and set it aside. Drain off all but 1 tbsp of fat from the saucepan. Add the onions and savory.
Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until the onions are softened. Add the potatoes, carrots, water, and salt.
Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Cut the cod into 1-inch chunks. Add it to the vegetables and simmer for about 5 minutes or until it flakes easily.
Add the milk and pepper, and heat through. Garnish with the bacon and parsley.

Variations

Add corn or peas for a pop of color and sweetness.
Use smoked cod for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the bacon until it is crisp to add a smoky flavor to the chowder.

- Cutting the cod into chunks ensures that it cooks evenly and flakes easily.

- Garnish with fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chowder with crusty bread for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the chowder allows the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use bacon bits instead of cooking bacon for a quicker option.

Make Ahead Tips

This chowder can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

35g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and iron.

Alergens

Contains fish and dairy

Summary

This chowder is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Newfoundland Cod Chowder is a classic dish that is sure to warm you up on a cold day. With simple ingredients and a rich history, this chowder is a must-try for any seafood lover.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Newfoundland Cod Chowder. It was a chilly winter day, and I was visiting a quaint little fishing village on the eastern coast of Canada. The salty sea air filled my nostrils as I wandered through the narrow streets, lined with colorful houses and bustling seafood markets.

As I passed by a cozy little café, a warm and inviting aroma wafted out from the open door. Curious, I stepped inside and found myself in a bustling kitchen filled with bubbling pots and pans. The chef, a friendly older woman with a twinkle in her eye, beckoned me over and offered me a steaming bowl of chowder.

I took a hesitant sip, not knowing what to expect. But as soon as the rich and creamy broth touched my lips, I knew I had discovered something truly special. The tender chunks of cod, the hearty potatoes, the sweet onions and carrots – it was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I begged the chef for the recipe, and she laughed and told me that it was a family secret passed down through generations. But she saw the gleam in my eye and took pity on me, scribbling down the ingredients and rough instructions on a crumpled piece of paper.

I thanked her profusely and left the café, clutching the precious recipe to my chest like a treasure. I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly magical, a recipe that would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

Back home, I set to work recreating the chowder, following the chef's instructions to the letter. I simmered the cod in a fragrant broth of fish stock and cream, adding in the tender vegetables and letting them meld together into a harmonious whole.

As the chowder bubbled away on the stove, filling my kitchen with its tantalizing scent, I couldn't help but think back to that moment in the fishing village. I could almost hear the seagulls crying overhead and feel the brisk wind on my cheeks.

When the chowder was finally ready, I ladled out a generous portion into a bowl and took a hesitant sip. And just like that first taste in the café, I knew that I had captured the essence of Newfoundland in a single spoonful.

I shared the chowder with my family and friends, watching as their eyes lit up with delight. They couldn't get enough of the rich, comforting flavors, and soon the recipe became a staple in our household.

Over the years, I have made slight tweaks and adjustments to the recipe, adding in my own personal touches and experimenting with different ingredients. But at its core, the Newfoundland Cod Chowder remains the same – a reminder of that fateful day in the fishing village and the kind chef who shared her family secret with me.

Now, as I stand in my kitchen, stirring a pot of bubbling chowder, I can't help but feel grateful for that chance encounter. It's amazing how a single recipe can bring back so many memories and connect us to a place and time long gone.

And so, I continue to cook and create, adding new recipes to my repertoire but always coming back to that one special dish that started it all – Newfoundland Cod Chowder.