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Nova Scotia Seafood Chowder Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 226 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Canadian

Description

A classic Nova Scotia Seafood Chowder combining tender haddock, shrimp, and scallops in a creamy, herb-infused broth with potatoes and fresh vegetables, perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 4 cups fish stock or seafood broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Seafood

  • 1/2 pound haddock or other white fish, cut into chunks
  • 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 pound scallops, cut into quarters

Finishing Touches

  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional, for a fresh finish)


Instructions

  1. Sauté vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add potatoes and broth: Add the diced potatoes to the pot, then pour in the fish stock or seafood broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  3. Add cream and seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, milk, thyme, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer again, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add seafood: Gently add the haddock (or white fish), shrimp, and scallops to the pot. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the flavors have melded.
  5. Finish with parsley and lemon: Stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice, if desired, and adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Serve: Ladle the chowder into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or crackers.

Notes

  • Use firm white fish like haddock or cod for best results.
  • If fish stock is unavailable, seafood broth or clam juice can be used as substitutes.
  • Adjust Old Bay seasoning according to your spice preference.
  • The lemon juice is optional but adds a nice brightness to the chowder.
  • Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a traditional experience.