Seafood Chowder

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) of mixed seafood (e.g., shrimp, fish, scallops)
• 2 cups (473 ml) of heavy cream
• 1 cup (237 ml) of milk
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (80 grams) of chopped cooked vegetables (e.g., corn, carrots, celery)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 40 minutes
• Total: 60 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the seafood until just cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In another pot, melt the butter and add the flour to make a roux (thickening agent).
3. Add the heavy cream and milk to the roux and stir until smooth.
4. Add the cooked seafood and cooked vegetables to the pot.
5. Season with salt, pepper, bay leaf, and thyme.
6. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the flavors are well combined and the chowder is thickened.
7. Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: About 500 per serving (depending on the amount of seafood and added toppings)
• Fat: High in fat due to cream and butter content
• Carbohydrates: From milk and flour
• Protein: From seafood and vegetables

Dish Characteristics:

• A creamy and rich seafood soup with a thick, smooth texture.
• Full of flavor from the combination of seafood and herbs.
• Suitable for colder weather or as a hearty meal for any time of day.

User Comments:

• "This is a great way to use fresh seafood! The flavors were delicious and the chowder was very creamy."
• "I love how easy this recipe is to make, yet it tastes like a five-star dish."
• "This is a perfect dish for a family gathering or a special occasion."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh seafood for best results. If using frozen, make sure to follow the recommended thawing instructions.
• Do not overcook the seafood as it will become tough and lose its flavor.
• Adjust the seasoning according to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the seafood and increase the cooked vegetable content.