Smoked Salmon & Potato Chowder is a luxurious and comforting soup that combines the rich, savory flavors of smoked salmon with the creamy, hearty texture of a classic potato chowder. This dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for a cozy meal or an elegant starter for a special occasion.
The chowder begins with a base of tender, diced potatoes that are simmered until soft, creating a creamy and satisfying texture. The addition of finely chopped onions and garlic enhances the depth of flavor, while a touch of celery adds a subtle freshness. The soup is finished with a blend of chicken or vegetable broth, heavy cream, and milk, which together create a rich and velvety texture.
The star of this chowder is the smoked salmon, which infuses the soup with its distinctive, smoky flavor. The salmon is added towards the end of cooking, allowing it to warm through and impart its unique taste without becoming overcooked. Frozen corn kernels add a touch of sweetness and a burst of color, balancing the richness of the cream and the smokiness of the salmon.
The chowder is seasoned with dried dill and bay leaf, enhancing its flavor with a hint of herbaceous notes that complement the salmon beautifully. Once finished, the chowder is garnished with fresh dill and optional toppings like crumbled bacon and chopped green onions, adding both flavor and visual appeal.
Each spoonful of this Smoked Salmon & Potato Chowder offers a comforting combination of creamy, smoky, and subtly sweet flavors. It’s a dish that’s both hearty and refined, perfect for warming up on a chilly day or serving as a sophisticated starter at a dinner party. This chowder is sure to impress with its rich, satisfying taste and elegant presentation.
Ingredients:
For the Chowder:
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 8 ounces smoked salmon, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh dill
- Lemon wedges
- Crumbled bacon (optional)
- Chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced potatoes, celery, and bay leaf. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Liquids and Simmer:
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Blend and Add Cream:
- Remove the bay leaf. Using an immersion blender, blend the chowder until smooth, or blend in batches using a countertop blender, then return to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and milk, and heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add Salmon and Corn:
- Add the smoked salmon and frozen corn to the chowder. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the salmon is heated through and the corn is tender.
- Stir in the dill.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh dill. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, tangy contrast.
- Optionally, top with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.
Tips:
- Texture Preference: For a chunkier chowder, blend only half of the mixture. For a smoother texture, blend the entire batch.
- Smoked Salmon: Use high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor. If the salmon is too salty, you can adjust the seasoning of the chowder accordingly.
- Cream and Milk: Adjust the amount of cream and milk to your desired thickness. For a richer chowder, increase the cream and reduce the milk.
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Smoked Salmon & Potato Chowder, perfect for warming up on a chilly day or impressing guests with a deliciously comforting dish!
