Maritime Lobster and Corn Chowder
A rich and creamy chowder showcasing the sweet, succulent lobster and fresh corn characteristic of Canada's Maritime provinces, with a hint of smoky bacon.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Lobster meat(cooked and chopped, from 1-2 lobsters)
- 4 slices Bacon(diced)
- 1 medium Yellow onion(chopped)
- 2 medium Celery stalks(chopped)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and diced)
- 2 cups Corn kernels(fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups Chicken or seafood broth
- 2 cups Milk
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill(chopped, for garnish)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(freshly ground)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 2
Add the chopped onion and celery to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 3
Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1 minute to toast the flour.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Gradually whisk in the chicken or seafood broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Whisking continuously prevents lumps. - 6
Add the corn kernels and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 7
Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Heat gently, but do not boil.
💡 Tip: Simmering after adding dairy can cause it to curdle. - 8
Add the chopped lobster meat to the chowder and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until heated through.
⏱️ 3 minutes💡 Tip: Overcooking lobster will make it tough. - 9
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in half of the reserved crispy bacon and fresh dill.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. - 10
Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with the remaining crispy bacon and fresh dill.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an even richer flavor, use lobster shells to make a homemade seafood broth.
- ✓If fresh corn is not available, use good quality frozen corn.
- ✓A splash of dry sherry can add an extra layer of complexity.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Incorporate other seafood like shrimp or scallops along with the lobster.
- For a thicker chowder, mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot.