Creamy Dreamy Shrimp Chowder A Seafood Hug in a Bowl

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave something that's both comforting and a bit fancy? I get it! This shrimp chowder recipe is your answer.

Honestly, it's pure indulgence. It's got that creamy, dreamy texture with a subtle seafood sweetness.

Brief Overview

This New England shrimp chowder inspired dish hails from the hearty traditions of coastal cooking. We're talking an easy-peasy recipe, taking about 55 minutes from start to finish.

This easy soup recipe yields 6 servings, perfect for family night.

Main Benefits

Seafood is ace for you. The shrimp soup is packed with protein and those good omega-3s. This homemade shrimp chowder is perfect for a blustery autumn evening or a sophisticated dinner party.

The best part? It’s the ultimate easy soup that tastes like you spent hours slaving away!

Creamy Goodness Awaits

This ain’t your nan’s watery soup. It’s the real deal! The secret? We start with a bacon-infused base then add creamy potatoes.

The creamy potato base makes the Seafood chowder recipe a real winner!. Then we load it with plump, juicy shrimp.

Ready to dive in?

Get Ready to Chow Down: Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this shrimp chowder recipe . This creamy shrimp soup recipe isn't about complicated techniques, it’s about fresh ingredients.

We will need to get: Bacon, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (optional), chicken broth, Yukon Gold potatoes, bay leaf, salt, pepper, shrimp, heavy cream, flour, butter and parsley.

Creamy Dreamy Shrimp Chowder A Seafood Hug in a Bowl Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bacon, diced (US: about 4 ounces, Metric: about 115g)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (US: about 1 cup, Metric: about 150g)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (US: about 1 cup, Metric: about 100g)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced (US: about 1 cup, Metric: about 120g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (US: about 2 teaspoons, Metric: about 6g)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
• 4 cups chicken broth (US: 32 fluid ounces, Metric: 950ml)
• 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (US: 16 ounces, Metric: 450g)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed (US: 16 ounces, Metric: 450g)
• 1 cup heavy cream (US: 8 fluid ounces, Metric: 240ml)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

• In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
• Add onion, celery, and carrots to the pot and cook in the bacon fat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for 1 minute more.
• Pour in chicken broth, add potatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
• In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
• Gradually whisk the roux into the simmering chowder, stirring until thickened.
• Add the shrimp to the chowder and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp!
• Stir in the heavy cream and cooked bacon. Heat through, but do not boil. Remove bay leaf. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges (optional).

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450 calories

Fat:28g

Fiber:3g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Let's Talk Shrimp Chowder Recipe: Getting Started

Right then, fancy a bowl of the most comforting Shrimp Soup ? I'm talking about my Creamy Dreamy Shrimp Chowder recipe .

It's like a warm hug in a bowl. Honestly, it’s easier than you think and way more satisfying than a takeaway.

Grab your apron. Let's get cracking!

Main Ingredients: The Nitty-Gritty

So, for this easy shrimp chowder masterpiece, here's the lowdown on what you'll need. I swear, even my nan could make this, and she once set fire to toast.

• Bacon: 4 slices, diced (about 4 ounces or 115g ). Crispy bacon is the foundation.
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup or 150g ). Go for a nice, firm one.
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped (about 1 cup or 100g ). Adds a subtle freshness.
• Carrots: 2 medium, diced (about 1 cup or 120g ). A bit of sweetness.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (about 2 teaspoons or 6g ). Don't be shy.
• Thyme: 1 teaspoon, dried.
• Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a lovely depth of flavour.
• Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a kick).
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups ( 32 fl oz or 950ml ). Proper chicken broth is the key here.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: 1 pound , diced ( 16 ounces or 450g ).
• Bay Leaf: 1 .
• Salt & Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon and 1/4 teaspoon .
• Shrimp: 1 pound ( 16 ounces or 450g ), peeled and deveined. Quality is key here!
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup ( 8 fl oz or 240ml ). Full fat, please.
• Flour: 2 tablespoons .
• Butter: 2 tablespoons , unsalted.
• Parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped, for garnish.
• Lemon Wedges: For serving (optional).

For the shrimp soup recipes , the shrimp really makes the dish. If you can, get fresh, wild-caught shrimp. You'll taste the difference, promise.

Frozen shrimp will work. Just make sure they are fully thawed before you start.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up a Notch

Honestly, the smoked paprika and thyme are non-negotiable. They give that seafood chowder recipe a real depth. If you fancy a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne really elevates it.

Don’t have thyme? A bit of rosemary works in a pinch.

Equipment: Simple Tools for a Simple Job

You really don't need any fancy gadgets for this easy soup recipes . Just a big pot.

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot.
• Cutting board and chef's knife.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Wooden spoon or spatula.

Creamy Dreamy Shrimp Chowder: A Seafood Hug in a Bowl

Honestly, nothing beats a good bowl of chowder. It’s like a warm hug on a cold day, innit? This shrimp chowder recipe is inspired by the classic New England shrimp chowder , but we're giving it a little boost with some smoky bacon and plump shrimp.

It's proper easy, even if you're not exactly Jamie Oliver.

Prep Like a Pro

First things first, mise en place is key. Chop your onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Dice those spuds! Get your bacon ready.

Honestly, this bit is crucial for time-saving organization . A little prep goes a long way! If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed out! No one wants rubbery shrimp in their shrimp soup .

Step-by-Step: Chowder Time!

Alright, let's get cooking.

1. Fry your diced bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. About 5- 7 minutes . Set aside, but keep the fat!
2. Sauté chopped onion, celery, and carrots in the bacon fat until softened. Add garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for one minute.
3. Pour in the chicken broth. Add potatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15- 20 minutes .
4. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1- 2 minutes . This makes a roux.
5. Whisk the roux into the simmering chowder until it thickens.
6. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3- 5 minutes . Don't overcook 'em, yeah?
7. Stir in the heavy cream and cooked bacon. Heat through. Remove the bay leaf!

Pro Tips for a Cracking Chowder

• Don't overcook the shrimp! Seriously, it's the biggest mistake. You want them just cooked through, lovely and juicy.
• Using Yukon Gold potatoes adds a creamy texture. But if you only have russets, that is also ok.
• This chowder tastes amazing the next day! Make it ahead and the flavors meld together beautifully. Just add the cream and shrimp before serving. Honestly, it's a game changer. You will absolutely love this creamy shrimp soup recipe .

This easy soup recipes is like a warm hug in a bowl. This seafood chowder recipe hits the spot every time.

Whether you call it shrimp soup , easy soups , or whatever, you'll love this classic creamy potato and homemade shrimp chowder dish.

Even a quick shrimp chowder can be fantastic with the right ingredients. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes: Cracking the Chowder Code

Right then, you've got your Creamy Dreamy Shrimp Chowder recipe ready to rock. But before you dive in, let's natter about some bits and bobs that'll take your chowder from "meh" to "OMG, that's amazing!".

Serving It Up: Plating Like a Pro

Honestly, presentation matters. I always try to make my dishes look inviting. A nice bowl, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, maybe a cheeky lemon wedge.

.. it makes all the difference. For sides, some crusty bread for dunking is a must. Or a crisp green salad for a bit of balance.

Thinking about drinks? A chilled glass of dry white wine goes down a treat with this seafood chowder recipe .

Storage Secrets: Keepin' It Fresh

Right, you've made a massive batch, or you just want to keep some for later. Cool the chowder down first.

Then, bung it in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll be good for up to 3 days . Freezing is an option too.

But the texture might change a tad. If you're freezing, leave out the cream. Add it when you reheat the homemade shrimp chowder gently on the hob.

Don't let it boil!

Swapsies: Variations for Everyone

Fancy a bit of a change? You could try using coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version. It gives a subtle sweetness.

Or swap the shrimp for smoked haddock for a smokier flavour. I tried once making a creamy shrimp soup recipe with sweet potato instead of regular potato.

It was actually pretty good! You can easily convert this to one of many shrimp soup recipes to change the flavours up.

Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, I'm no nutritionist. But this easy soup recipes packs a punch. It's got protein from the shrimp, carbs from the potatoes, and vitamins from the veggies.

Just be mindful of the cream if you're watching your fat intake. A simplified version, each bowl of easy soups have about 450 calories with 30g of protein.

So there you have it! A few tips and tricks to make your New England shrimp chowder experience even better.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Now, go forth and chowder!