Indulge in the goodness of fresh oysters with this amazing Oyster Chowder recipe. This creamy and delicious chowder is loaded with plump oysters, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of savory spices. The velvety texture and rich flavors make it the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings. Impress your family and friends with this hearty dish that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning seafood lovers. Don't miss out on experiencing the best Oyster Chowder ever!
Ingredients
- 2 dozen fresh oysters
- 4 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
- Add the chopped onion and diced celery to the pot and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the cubed potatoes, dried thyme, and smoked paprika to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- While the chowder is simmering, shuck the fresh oysters and reserve their liquor.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to make a roux. Cook the roux for about 2 minutes until it becomes golden brown.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and the reserved oyster liquor to the roux. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Add the oysters and the cream mixture to the pot of chowder. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the oysters are cooked through.
- Stir in the cooked bacon and chopped fresh parsley. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the Oyster Chowder hot in bowls, garnished with additional parsley. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Oyster Chowder is commonly known as a traditional New England dish.
Fresh oysters are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Using the reserved oyster liquor adds an extra layer of flavor to the chowder.
The creamy texture of the chowder can be further enriched by adding a dollop of butter or a splash of heavy cream before serving.