Seafood Chowder with Seasoned Oyster Crackers
With a tantalizing collection of fish, shrimp and scallops, this comforting chowder has been pleasing my family for many years. The seasoned oyster crackers add just a bit of spice.
—Virginia Anthony, Jacksonville, FL
Prep: 45 min. • Cook: 25 min. • Makes: 12 servings
- 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp. marinade for chicken
- 1 tsp. hot pepper sauce
- ¼ tsp. curry powder
- ¼ tsp. paprika
- 1 ¼ cups oyster crackers
CHOWDER
- 8 bacon strips, chopped
- 1 ½ lbs. red potatoes, cut into ½-in. cubes
- 2 cups thinly sliced leeks (white portion only)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ tsp. dried thyme
- 1 carton (32 oz.) reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups clam juice
- 1 pkg. (12 oz.) frozen corn
- 1 ½ cups diced zucchini
- 1 lb. grouper or tilapia fillets, cut into 1-in. cubes
- ¾ lb. uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb. bay scallops
- 1 cup half-and-half cream
- 1 tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. white pepper
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, combine the butter, marinade for chicken, pepper sauce, curry and paprika. Add crackers; toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown, stirring twice. Set aside.
- 2. In a stockpot, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels to drain.
- 3. Saute the potatoes and leeks in the drippings; stir in flour and thyme until blended. Gradually whisk in the broth and clam juice. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir 1-2 minutes longer. Reduce the heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- 4. Add the corn, zucchini, grouper, shrimp and scallops; cook until fish flakes easily with a fork, 2-4 minutes. Stir in the cream, salt and pepper; heat through. Serve with crackers and bacon.
1 ½ cups: 295 cal., 12g fat (5g sat. fat), 80mg chol., 885mg sod., 25g carb. (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g pro.
TIP
Grouper—a member of the sea bass family—has a lean, firm flesh with mild flavor. You can use snapper, mahi mahi or another sea bass in place of the grouper if you like.
