SMOKED FISH CHOWDER

Smoked Fish Chowder image

Yield Makes about 12 cups

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 slices bacon, chopped
2 medium onions, chopped
1 1/2 pounds russet (baking) potatoes
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups water
a 10-ounce package frozen baby lima beans
a 10-ounce package frozen corn
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 1/2 cups half-and-half or milk
1 to 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 pound finnan haddie (smoked haddock), cut into 1-inch pieces, or 2 smoked trout, skinned, boned, and flaked into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves or fresh dill

Steps:

In a heavy kettle (at least 5 quarts) cook bacon over moderate heat, stirring, until crisp. Add onions and cook, stirring, until softened. Peel potatoes and cut into 3/4-inch cubes. Add potatoes, celery, broth, and water and simmer, covered, 10 minutes. Add lima beans and corn and simmer, covered, 5 minutes.
In a small bowl dissolve cornstarch in half-and-half or milk and stir into simmering soup with Worcestershire sauce. Bring soup to a boil, stirring, and add fish. (If using smoked trout, no further cooking is necessary; if using finnan haddie or fresh fish, simmer, covered, 5 minutes, or until it just flakes.) Stir in parsley or dill. Soup may be made 2 days ahead (cool uncovered before chilling covered.) Reheat gently.