Description
Bobby Flay’s Crab & Corn Chowder delivers a rich, coastal symphony of flavors that dance across palates with creamy elegance. Seafood enthusiasts will savor each spoonful of this hearty New England-inspired dish, bringing ocean freshness directly to home kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 3 cups chicken or seafood stock
- 2 cups heavy cream
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Extras:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Initiate the flavor foundation by sautéing aromatic onions, crisp celery, and vibrant red bell peppers in a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat until vegetables soften and release their subtle essences, approximately 5 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and allow it to bloom briefly.
- Incorporate butter into the vegetable medley, allowing it to melt smoothly. Dust with flour and gently toast to create a rich, golden roux, developing deep nutty undertones for approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually introduce chicken or seafood stock, whisking continuously to ensure a silky, lump-free consistency. Incorporate vibrant corn kernels and allow the mixture to simmer, developing complex flavor layers.
- Strategically use an immersion blender to partially puree the chowder, creating a luxurious texture that maintains delightful corn and vegetable chunks for rustic character.
- Enrich the chowder with velvety heavy cream, adding depth through smoky paprika, subtle cayenne pepper, and carefully balanced seasonings. Allow the mixture to meld flavors gently.
- Delicately fold pristine crab meat into the warm chowder, heating precisely to preserve the seafood’s delicate texture and prevent disintegration.
- Present the chowder in warm bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped chives or parsley. Accompany with crusty artisan bread or crisp oyster crackers for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains rich flavor and creamy texture.
- Reduce cream quantity or use plant-based alternatives like cashew cream for lighter, healthier adaptation without losing richness.
- Choose sustainable crab meat from reputable sources to ensure quality and support responsible seafood practices.
- Adjust spice levels by gradually adding cayenne pepper, allowing individual heat preferences while maintaining balanced flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg