The Real Deal New England Fish Chowder Recipe

A taste of authentic Maine! This classic New England Fish Chowder recipe, passed down through generations, delivers a rich, creamy, and utterly delicious chowder experience. Learn the secrets to a perfectly balanced chowder – the way it's been made in Maine for generations. This recipe uses evaporated milk for that signature creaminess without the heaviness of cream, featuring flaky fish, tender potatoes, and sweet onions – all without unnecessary additions. Discover the purist's approach to chowder, focusing on simple, fresh flavors that let the ingredients shine. Get ready to savor a true taste of New England!

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 130 mins

Calories 376.5 kcal

Protein 36g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for The Real Deal New England Fish Chowder

Cod Fish Fillets
2 large potatoes (Yukon Gold recommended), peeled and diced
1 large onion, chopped
Ground Thyme
3 cups evaporated milk
2 tablespoons butter
Flour
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Pepper
4 cups water

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How to Make The Real Deal New England Fish Chowder

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook diced salt pork over medium heat until crispy. Remove salt pork with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the rendered fat in the pot.
Add butter to the pot and melt. Add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add diced potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in water and add bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
Stir in fish cubes, evaporated milk, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
If desired, stir in crushed crackers to thicken the chowder to your preferred consistency. (Traditional thickening method)
Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with crispy salt pork (optional). Enjoy your authentic New England Fish Chowder!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

8 g

Sugar

Fat

53g

Carbs

12g

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Starters Soups, Stews & Chilis Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Pork Recipes Seafood The Americas American Gluten Free One Pot Meals

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make The Real Deal New England Fish Chowder?

The Real Deal New England Fish Chowder takes about 150 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 130 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in The Real Deal New England Fish Chowder?

The Real Deal New England Fish Chowder has approximately 376.5 calories per serving, with about 36 g protein, 12 g carbohydrates and 26 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for The Real Deal New England Fish Chowder?

The key ingredients for The Real Deal New England Fish Chowder are Cod Fish Fillets, Potatoes, Onions, Ground Thyme, Evaporated Milk, Butter. See the full list with measurements above.