Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Seafood Medley Chowder:

Dairy Base

• 1 (8-ounce) container fat-free cream cheese
• 1 ½ cups fat-free milk

Aromatics and Flavorings

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Vegetables

• 1 (23-ounce) can fat-free condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (15.25-ounce) can whole kernel corn, undrained
• 1 ½ cups chopped potatoes
• 1 cup chopped green onions
• 1 cup sliced carrots

Seafood

• ½ pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• ½ pound bay scallops
• ½ pound crabmeat (fresh or canned)
• ½ pound calamari tubes (sliced into rings)
• 1 (6.5-ounce) can chopped clams

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings

This recipe yields approximately 6 generous servings, making it perfect for a family meal or small gathering.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop the potatoes, carrots, and green onions. Mince the garlic cloves. Slice the calamari into rings if not pre-sliced.
2. Rinse and pat dry the shrimp, scallops, and crabmeat.

Step 2: Start the Base

1. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the fat-free cream cheese, fat-free milk, and minced garlic.
2. Heat over medium heat, whisking occasionally until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth base.

Step 3: Build the Chowder

1. Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the can of undrained whole kernel corn.
2. Add the potatoes, carrots, and green onions to the pot, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

1. Sprinkle in the dried parsley, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

Step 5: Add the Seafood

1. Gently stir in the shrimp, scallops, crabmeat, calamari, and chopped clams (including the clam juice).
2. Cook for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the seafood is opaque and fully cooked.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the chowder into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired. Pair it with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a complete meal.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Seafood Medley Chowder embodies the best of classic comfort food and sophisticated culinary techniques. Its appeal transcends seasons and generations for several reasons:

1. Versatility: This chowder can be adapted to include any seafood you have on hand, making it an excellent option for home cooks.
2. Balanced Flavor: The creamy base perfectly complements the fresh, briny taste of the seafood and the sweetness of the corn and carrots.
3. Nutritional Benefits: Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
4. Cultural Heritage: Chowders have a rich history, especially in coastal communities, where they’ve been a staple for centuries.

No matter the occasion, this dish provides a hearty, satisfying experience that never goes out of style.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, frozen seafood works well in this recipe. Be sure to thaw it thoroughly and pat it dry before adding it to the chowder.

2. Can I substitute the cream cheese?
If you prefer, you can use light cream or half-and-half instead of cream cheese. This will create a slightly thinner but equally delicious broth.

3. Can I make this chowder gluten-free?
Yes! Check that your condensed cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free or substitute it with a homemade version.

Tips for Success

1. Cook Vegetables First: Ensure the potatoes and carrots are tender before adding the seafood, as overcooking seafood can make it rubbery.
2. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder chowder, reduce the cayenne pepper. For extra heat, add a pinch more.
3. Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh seafood enhances the flavor and texture of the dish, but high-quality frozen seafood is also a good option.
4. Don’t Over-Stir: Be gentle when stirring the chowder, especially after adding the seafood, to avoid breaking it apart.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Chowders with cream bases don’t freeze as well as clear broths, as the texture may change. However, you can freeze it for up to 1 month if necessary. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the chowder gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation.

Conclusion

Seafood Medley Chowder is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The creamy base, the tender bite of vegetables, and the fresh flavors of the ocean combine to create a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and unforgettable. Whether served on a chilly evening, at a festive gathering, or as a special treat for seafood lovers, this chowder never fails to impress.

What makes this dish truly timeless is its versatility. With a foundation as solid as this recipe, you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste or make use of whatever seafood and vegetables you have on hand. Its rich history, rooted in coastal traditions, only adds to its appeal.

So, gather your ingredients, set aside an hour, and treat yourself to the magic of Seafood Medley Chowder. It’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again, a bowlful of comfort that brings the sea to your table.