Please scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe including ingredient amounts and detailed instructions. This New England Fish Chowder is the REAL DEAL. Creamy, rich, and quite simple. At its base are just fish, potatoes, and onions. But this fish chowder is made extra delicious with a few secrets: I can’t wait to share this family recipe with you, and hope you enjoy it as much as I do, and as much as I have since childhood! Poach the fish until it is just flaked apart – keep an eye on it, as this will happen quickly! Use a slotted spoon to transfer fish to a rimmed baking sheet or plate with lip. As soon as it’s cool to the touch, flake it apart with your hands (but don’t over-flake it!). Set aside. Add the clam juice and potatoes to the pot and bring back to a boil. Cover and simmer on low until potatoes are tender. While the potatoes cook, scald the milk with an onion that’s been quartered. Bring the milk to a boil in a small pot, then immediately turn the heat down to low and simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as boiling milk has a tendency to overflow (as my dad said, “no texting while scalding!” lol!). Strain the milk into the pot once the potatoes are done cooking. Now for the finishing touches. Add chives and ground nutmeg to the pot (I like to grate nutmeg whole on a microplane zester). Add the flaked fish back into the pot and stir very gently so as not to break apart the fish too much. Bring it back up to a boil, and turn off the heat. Finally, stir in the heavy cream. To serve, ladle into bowls and garnish with a little more nutmeg, chives, black pepper, and a few very small pats of cold butter, which will melt on the surface for a gorgeous, rich, tasty sheen on top.
What to serve with fish chowder
I recommend a loaf of crusty bread to serve with the chowder. This no knead Dutch oven bread is my favorite! Dinner rolls are also a great option.
Recommended Equipment
Other classic New England recipes
New England Baked HaddockMaple PuddingBoston Brown BreadNo Mayo Coleslaw
