Corn Crab and Shrimp Chowder

Here’s a rich and flavorful Corn, Crab, and Shrimp Chowder recipe that’s perfect for cooler days or anytime you want something creamy and comforting with a seafood twist.

🦀🌽 Corn, Crab, and Shrimp Chowder

🍲 Ingredients:

Seafood:

• ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (chopped if large)

• ½ lb lump crab meat (drained and picked over for shells)

Vegetables:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 carrot, peeled and diced (optional)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (or canned, drained)

• 1 large russet potato, peeled and diced (or 2 small Yukon Gold)

Broth & Seasoning:

• 3 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)

• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)

• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup diced red bell pepper

• Splash of dry white wine (¼ cup, added before stock)

🔥 Instructions:

1. Sauté the Veggies:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.

   • Add onion, celery, carrot (if using), and bell pepper. Sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).

   • Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

2. Add the Base:

   • Add potatoes, corn, bay leaf, thyme, smoked paprika, Old Bay, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).

   • Pour in stock (and wine if using). Bring to a boil.

3. Simmer:

   • Reduce heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

4. Add Seafood & Cream:

   • Stir in shrimp and crab, then add the cream.

   • Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through. (Avoid boiling once cream is added.)

5. Finish & Serve:

   • Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning.

   • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

🍽 Tips:

• Don’t overcook the shrimp – they cook fast and can become rubbery.

• Want it thicker? Mash a few potatoes in the pot or add a cornstarch slurry (1 Tbsp cornstarch + 2 Tbsp cold water).

• Make it smoky: Add crumbled bacon as a topping or sauté with the onions.