Corn Crab and Shrimp Chowder
Description
Andrew Zimmern adds depth to his rich seafood chowder by making an easy stock with corn cobs and shrimp shells.
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
- 1 pound large shrimp, shelled and deveined, shells reserved
- 3 ears of corn, shucked, kernels cut off, and cobs reserved
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/3-inch dice
- 1 large yellow onion, cut into 1/3-inch dice
- 3 celery ribs, cut into 1/3-inch dice
- 1 serrano chile, minced
- 2 large baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/3-inch dice
- 1 pound lump crabmeat, picked over
- 1 quart heavy cream
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- snipped chives, for garnish
- buttered toast, for serving
Directions
- Gather the ingredients.
- Corn Crab and Shrimp Chowder
- In a large pot, bring the stock to a boil with the shrimp shells and corn cobs. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Corn Crab and Shrimp Chowder
- Remove the cobs. Strain the stock through a fine sieve into a large, heatproof bowl, pressing on the shells to remove as much stock as possible. Wipe out the pot.
- Corn Crab and Shrimp Chowder
- In a small skillet, toast the celery and fennel seeds over moderately high heat until fragrant and starting to pop, about 45 seconds. Let cool completely. In a spice grinder or mortar, grind or crush the seeds to a powder.
- Corn Crab and Shrimp Chowder
- In the large pot, melt the butter over moderately high heat. Add the yellow pepper, onion, celery, and chile and cook until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the ground fennel and celery seeds and cook for 1 minute.
- Corn Crab and Shrimp Chowder
- Add the potatoes and shrimp stock and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat.
- Corn Crab and Shrimp Chowder
- Stir the shrimp and crabmeat into the chowder. Cover and let stand until the shrimp turn pink on the outside, about 3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and corn kernels. Bring to a simmer over moderate heat; immediately reduce the heat to low and simmer gently until the shrimp are white throughout, about 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Corn Crab and Shrimp Chowder
- Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with chives. Serve with buttered toast.
