Old-Fashioned Fish Chowder Recipe

Name: Old-Fashioned Fish Chowder
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 pounds haddock, skinned, head and tail left on; 4 cups cold water; 1 bay leave; 1 sprig fresh thyme; 1 small onion, cut into pieces; 1 stalk celery, cut into pieces; 2 slices bacon, chopped; 1 onion, sliced thin; 2 cups potatoes, cubed; 2 cups boiling water; 2 cups scalded half-and-half; 1 tablespoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 3 tablespoons butter

Servings: persons

4 pounds haddock, skinned, head and tail left on
4 cups cold water
1 bay leave
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 small onion, cut into pieces
1 stalk celery, cut into pieces
2 slices bacon, chopped
1 onion, sliced thin
2 cups potatoes, cubed
2 cups boiling water
2 cups scalded half-and-half
1 tablespoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons butter

1
Order the fish skinned, but head and tail left on.
2
Cut off head and tail and remove fish from backbone.
3
(You can also have your fishmonger fillet the fish for you, ask him to give you backbone, head and tail extra).
4
Cut fish in 2-inch pieces and set aside.
5
Put head, tail and backbone, broken in pieces, in deep kettle.
6
Add 4 cups cold water, bay leave, thyme, onion and celery and simmer slowly for 10 minutes.
7
Drain and reduce to 2 cups stock.
8
Reserve.
9
In a skillet over medium heat, render bacon, add onion and cook 5 minutes.
10
Add potatoes and 2 cups boiling water and cook 5 minutes.
11
Add fish stock.
12
Add fish, cover and simmer 10 minutes.
13
Add half-and-half, salt, pepper and butter.

1331

kcal

Calories

135

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4 pounds haddock, skinned, head and tail left on, 4 cups cold water, 1 bay leave, 1 sprig fresh thyme, and more.

Yes, Old-Fashioned Fish Chowder falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Old-Fashioned Fish Chowder

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions