Fish Chowder New England Style

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 onions, cut into 1/2′′ dice
• 4 oz salt pork, rind removed, rinsed, and cut into 2 pieces
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 5 cups water
• 2 lbs skinless cod fillets, sliced crosswise into 6 equal pieces
• 1 1/2 lbs, Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2′′ dice
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions:

Melt butter in dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, salt pork, thyme, salt, and bay leaf; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened but not browned, 3 to 5 minutes.

Add water and bring to
simmer. Remove pot from heat, gently place cod fillets in water, cover, and let fish stand until opaque and nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes. Using metal spatula, transfer cod to bowl.

Return pot to medium-high heat, add potatoes, and bring to simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender and beginning to break apart, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk milk, cornstarch, and pepper together in a bowl. Stir milk mixture into chowder and return to simmer.

Return fish and any accumulated juices to pot. Remove pot from heat, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes. Remove and discard salt pork and bay leaf.

Stir gently with wooden spoon to break fish into large pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve immediately.

Tip: Haddock, or other flaky white fish, may be substituted for cod. Garnish the chowder with minced fresh chives,
crisp bacon bits, or oyster crackers.