Creamy Fish and Corn Chowder is a hearty, warming soup filled with tender white fish, sweet corn, potatoes, and aromatic herbs in a creamy broth. It’s perfect for chilly days or as a comforting main course.

Heat the Oil and Butter:
In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
Sauté Aromatics:
Add onions, garlic, celery, and carrots and sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Add the Potatoes:
Add the potatoes, bay leaf, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Stir to coat the vegetables with the spices.
Add the Stock:
Pour in the fish stock or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Incorporate Dairy:
Slowly stir in the heavy cream and milk, mixing until well combined.
Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add the Corn:
Add the corn kernels to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to heat through.
Add the Fish:
Gently fold in the fish pieces, being careful not to break them apart.
Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the fish is opaque and fully cooked.
Adjust Seasoning:
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Add Lemon Juice:
Stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Remove the bay leaf and discard.
Garnish the Chowder:
Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serve:
Serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers for dipping.
Serve the chowder in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Pair with a glass of Chardonnay or a light, crisp white wine to complement the creamy richness.
Gluten-Free Option: Ensure the stock and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy version.
Seafood Variation: Add shrimp or clams along with the fish for a seafood chowder.
Herb-Infused: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or dill for additional herbaceous flavor.
Thicker Chowder: Mash a few potato chunks into the broth to naturally thicken the chowder.
6 servings