Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
If you think restaurant-style Cod Chowder is too complicated to make at home, think again! This creamy, comforting soup is surprisingly easy to whip up, and it delivers all the cozy, satisfying flavors you love. With fresh cod, tender potatoes, and vegetables like carrots and green beans, this 3-point chowder is a lighter alternative to traditional clam chowder. Perfect for chilly fall and winter evenings, it’s also versatile enough for spring and summer. In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe Here: Cod Chowder
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For this recipe, you will need 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml), 1 medium onion, finely chopped (1 cup, 130 g), 2 medium carrots, diced (1 cup, 125 g), 1 cup green beans, chopped (100 g), 1 large potato, peeled and cubed (1 cup, 160 g), and 3 cups fish or clam broth (720 ml). Additionally, you’ll need 1 cup plain yogurt, low-fat (240 g), 1 ½ pounds cod, cut into bite-sized pieces (680 g), 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme (1 g), ½ teaspoon paprika (1 g), and salt and pepper to taste.
Sauté Vegetables
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and green beans, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the onion is translucent and soft, stirring frequently. Stir in cubed potatoes and carrots, and cook for 3-4 minutes, mixing well with the vegetables.
Simmer with Broth and Seasonings
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Pour in fish or clam broth, then add bay leaves, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Prepare Cod
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While the soup simmers, cut cod into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
Finish and Adjust the Chowder
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Once the potatoes are tender, stir in yogurt to smooth the broth, then add the cod. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the cod is tender and flaky. Taste the chowder, adjusting seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, and remove the bay leaves before serving.
Garnish and Enjoy
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Ladle the chowder into bowls, garnish with fresh thyme, and serve with crusty bread or a light side salad for a cozy meal.
Variations and Substitutions for Cod Chowder
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For a twist on cod chowder, swap fresh cod with salted cod (soaked overnight), or try clams for a classic clam chowder variation. For a smoky flavor, use smoked cod or another smoked white fish. To lighten the dish, add more vegetables like leeks, parsnips, or corn and reduce the potatoes. For a dairy-free version, substitute yogurt with coconut milk for a creamy texture, and add a touch of lime or ginger to enhance the tropical flavor.
Tips and Tricks
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To make the perfect cod chowder, start by sautéing the onions thoroughly until they’re soft and lightly caramelized for the best flavor. If using salted cod, be sure to soak it overnight in a bowl of cold water, changing the water at least once to remove most of the salt. For a thicker chowder, use a cornstarch slurry by stirring a tablespoon of cornstarch into a little cold broth before adding it to the soup, helping to achieve a creamy, restaurant-quality texture. Finally, finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley to brighten up the flavors before serving.
Get the Recipe Here: Cod Chowder
