Name: Corn and Crab Chowder
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh lump crabmeat, picked over for shells; 4 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 6 ears) or frozen corn; 3 slices bacon, finely chopped; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup); 2 celery stalks, finely diced (about 1/2 cup); 1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups seafood stock or low-sodium chicken broth; 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes; 1 bay leaf; 1 1/2 cups half-and-half; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the base

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5-6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the fat in the pot.
Sauté the vegetables

Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper to the pot and cook in the bacon fat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
Build the chowder

Gradually whisk in the seafood stock, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the diced potatoes, corn kernels, bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
Add dairy and crab

Reduce heat to low and stir in the half-and-half. Simmer gently for 5 minutes (do not boil). Remove the bay leaf. Gently fold in the crabmeat and fresh thyme, being careful not to break up the crab lumps too much. If using, add the cayenne pepper.
Season and serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Heat through for 2-3 minutes until the crab is warm. Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with the reserved crispy bacon bits and additional fresh thyme if desired.

Corn and Crab Chowder

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutritional Information