Creamy Fish Chowder

Preparation

1. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add bacon and cook, stirring often, until crisp, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
2. Add onion, celery and garlic to the bacon drippings and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add clam juice (or chicken broth), fish, potatoes, thyme and bay leaf and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to maintain a simmer, and cook until the potatoes are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Discard the bay leaf. With a slotted spoon, transfer about 2/3 cup of the solids to a bowl and mash with a potato masher or fork. Return to the pot and add the milk. Bring to a simmer.
3. Whisk water and cornstarch in a small bowl. When the soup comes to a simmer, gradually add the cornstarch mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 1 minute. Season with pepper. Serve garnished with the cooked bacon and parsley, if using.

Tips & Notes

• Tips for Two: Leftover canned broth keeps up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in your freezer. Leftover broth in aseptic packages keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Add to soups, sauces, stews; use for cooking rice and grains; add a little when reheating leftovers to prevent them from drying out.

Nutrition