Description
A comforting and creamy chowder loaded with smoky salmon and tender potatoes. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave something warm and nourishing. This dish blends rustic charm with gourmet flavors, and it’s incredibly satisfying while remaining easy to prepare.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
1.5 cups smoked salmon, flaked
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
2 tablespoons chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
2. Add diced onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.
4. Slowly whisk in the broth, followed by the milk and cream. Stir well until smooth.
5. Add the diced potatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
6. Gently stir in the flaked smoked salmon and cooked bacon. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Remove bay leaf, stir in fresh dill, and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Ladle into bowls and top with chopped chives before serving.
Notes
For extra smokiness, use double-smoked salmon or add a dash of smoked paprika.
If the chowder thickens too much upon standing, stir in a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
Fresh dill is preferred, but dried can be used in a pinch—just reduce the quantity by half.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 95mg