SMOKY FISH CHOWDER

Smoky Fish Chowder image

This chowder is a more complex and smoky interpretation of a classic New England fish chowder. Made with hot smoked paprika and a little Vermouth or white wine, it's got more spunk than a simpler, more authentic recipe, without losing the spirit of the sea. If you can't find fish stock, you can substitute bottled clam juice, or even a good, flavorful vegetable stock. Either way, you'll end up with perfectly balanced bowl of soup that needs nothing more than perhaps a few crackers on the side to make it shine.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories dinner, main course

Time 40m

Yield 3 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

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Ingredients

3 ounces bacon (about 3 to 4 slices), diced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 medium leeks, white and light- green parts, thinly sliced
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, more as needed
1/4 teaspoon hot smoked paprika
1/4 cup dry white vermouth or white wine
2 cups fish stock, store-bought or homemade
1/2 pound fingerling potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
3 thyme sprigs
2 cups whole milk
10 ounces flaky white fish, such as flounder or cod, cut into 2-inch chunks

Steps:

In a heavy pot over medium-high heat, brown bacon until crisp, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
Spoon off all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat from the pot. Add butter and let melt. Add leeks and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring frequently, until leeks are soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in paprika; cook 1 minute. Pour in vermouth and simmer until almost completely evaporated, about 2 minutes. Stir in stock, 1 cup water, potatoes, thyme and remaining salt. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 25 minutes.
Add milk and cooked bacon to pot; bring to a simmer. Add fish and cook until just opaque, 2 to 4 minutes. Use a fork to flake fish into large pieces. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove thyme. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 410, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fat 25 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 21 grams, SaturatedFat 12 grams, Sodium 979 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams, TransFat 0 grams