My mother, Irene, is from the Cape Ann area which is north of Boston.  She grew up in a small town outside of Gloucester called Magnolia.   Gloucester is a fishing town that you may be familiar with through the movie and book The Perfect Storm.  If you have been to Gloucester, you have certainly stopped by the famous statue honoring the fishermen lost at sea.

Although we ended up in Ohio, we still love our New England roots and seafood.

This chowder recipe in particular brings back great memories of my childhood, eating this soup during the Lenten season.  The butter adds such a rich flavor to the soup, and the corn, potatoes and celery give it some texture.

 

Serve this delicious chowder with oyster crackers or warm crusty bread.  It’s hearty enough for a meal, perfect for a meatless dinner and so New England!

Irene’s Boston Fish Chowder

(Recipe Can easily be doubled)

1 lb haddock fillets or other mild white fish such as halibut*
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large potato, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 – 1 1/2 cups frozen corn**
6 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
One quart milk
Salt & pepper to taste

Chop celery and potatoes. Put in pan and cover with water. Cook until tender. Drain and set aside.

Wash fish, put in another pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and half cover with water. Cook until fish breaks apart with a fork. Drain and set aside.

In a large pan over medium heat melt butter and add onions. Cook until done. Add flour and stir until paste forms (as in white sauce). Add milk slowly, stirring constantly. Add celery mixture and frozen corn. Fish should be quite tender and easily break into pieces as you add it to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook until heated through and until soup starts to boil. Immediately turn off heat and serve or reduce and simmer to keep warm. Serve with warm crusty bread.

Enjoy!

Note:

*If you buy frozen fish, place in ziplock bag and thaw in cold water. It’s quick and easy.
** We prefer Birdseye Select frozen corn. It tastes fresh, sweet and does not have added sodium.

Let me know if you make it and how you liked it.  I am sure it will become a favorite!