Codfish chowder

1 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2tablespoonsDiced salt pork
1mediumOnion; diced
teaspoonButter
1teaspoonChopped fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried
2tablespoonsFlour
1poundsPotatoes (about 2 large); peeled and diced
2cupsFish Stock; (recipe follows)
2Bay leaves
poundsCod fillets; cut into large chunks
cupSkim or low-fat milk
¼teaspoonSalt; or to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
5cupsWater
poundsBones from white fish; such as cod, rinsed
1cupDry white wine
1mediumOnion; sliced
1Celery rib; chopped
5Peppercorns
3Garlic cloves; unpeeled, crushed
cupMushroom stems; optional
Bouquet garni (10 sprigs parsley; 3 sprigs thyme and 1 bay leaf tied in cheesecloth)

Directions

FISH STOCK

The flavor of this traditional "nor'easter" chowder comes mostly from the savory fish stock.

Saute' salt pork over low heat in large saucepan, stirring, about 3 minutes, or until fat renders and pork browns. Add onions, butter and thyme and saute' stirring, 3 to 4 minutes, or until onions are soft.

Add flour and saute', stirring, 1 minutes. Add potatoes, Fish Stock and bay leaves. SIMMER 15 to 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Remove bay leaves. Add cod and milk. SIMMER 8 to 10 minutes, or until fish is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Makes 4 servings FISH STOCK: Combine water, fish bones, wine, onion, celery, peppercorns, garlic, mushroom stems and bouquet garni in large stockpot. (Water should just cover bones). Bring almost to boil. Reduce heat and SIMMER, uncovered, 30 minutes. Skim foam from surface. Strain stock and discard solids. Freeze leftovers. Makes about 5 cups.

NOTE: My grocery store sells fish and they fillet many kinds. It is usually a free thing for them to save a bag of bones. It is possible to use any of the following: halibut, bass, tilefish, flounder, salmon, snapper, redfish, cusk and hake. Freshwater fish that make acceptable substitutes include walleyed pike and perch. If you receive more bones than needed, wrap in plastic bags and freeze the bones until the next batch of stock is made.

Posted to recipelu-digest Volume 01 Number 357 by ncanty@... (Nadia I Canty) on Dec 11, 1997