Mixed Seafood Chowder

Mixed seafood chowder is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines a variety of seafood, vegetables, and aromatic herbs and spices. This recipe features a medley of halibut, mussels, prawns, and scallops simmered in a rich tomato-based broth, resulting in a comforting and satisfying chowder. The combination of flavors from the seafood, vegetables, and white wine creates a delicious and nourishing dish that is perfect for a cozy meal. Serve this seafood chowder with crusty bread or crackers for a complete and satisfying meal.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 celery sticks, finely sliced
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 450g/1lb canned chopped plum tomatoes
• 250ml/9fl oz tomato purée
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 450g/1lb halibut steak, skinned and washed, cut into bite-size pieces
• 12 fresh mussels, scrubbed and debearded
• 375ml/13fl oz dry white wine
• 250g/9oz raw prawns, peeled and deveined
• 250g/9oz scallops

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a heavy saucepan or casserole dish, sauté the chopped onion, green pepper, celery, carrot, garlic, and olive oil on medium heat for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
2. Stir in the canned chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, chopped basil leaves, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil for 1-2 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Prepare the seafood by cutting the halibut into bite-size pieces and thoroughly scrubbing the mussels to remove any dirt or beards. Discard any mussels that are damaged or do not close when tapped on a hard surface.
4. Stir the white wine into the sauce and remove the bay leaf. Add the halibut, prawns, and scallops to the simmering sauce. Cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the seafood to cook through.
5. Arrange the mussels on top of the fish in a single layer. Cover the saucepan tightly and steam for about 10 minutes, or until the mussel shells have fully opened and the halibut flakes easily with a fork. Discard any mussels that do not open during cooking.
6. Ladle the seafood chowder into individual serving bowls and serve immediately.

YIELD:

• Serves 6-8

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Ensure the mussels are properly cleaned and debearded before cooking.
• Discard any mussels that do not open during the cooking process.

TIPS:

• Serve the mixed seafood chowder with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences by adding more salt and pepper if desired.
• Customize the chowder by adding other seafood such as clams or fish of your choice.
• For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to the chowder before serving.

In conclusion, mixed seafood chowder is a delicious and comforting dish that combines a variety of seafood in a flavorful tomato-based broth. With the combination of halibut, mussels, prawns, and scallops, this chowder offers a rich and satisfying meal. The vegetables, herbs, and white wine add depth and complexity to the dish, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Serve this seafood chowder with crusty bread or crackers for a complete and nourishing meal.

Prepare the chowder by sautéing the vegetables, adding the tomatoes, tomato purée, herbs, and seasoning. Then, simmer the seafood in the broth until cooked through and the mussels have opened. Ladle the chowder into bowls and serve immediately for a comforting and delicious dining experience.

Enjoy the warmth and flavors of this mixed seafood chowder, which is perfect for a cozy evening or gathering with family and friends.