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Smoked Salmon Potato Chowder

smoked salmon potato chowder - featured image

A cozy, creamy chowder featuring tender Yukon Gold potatoes and smoky salmon, perfect for warming up winter nights with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 8 ounces smoked salmon, skin removed and roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half (or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice the Yukon Gold potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Chop the onion, celery, and mince garlic.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery, stirring occasionally until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add diced potatoes to the pot and pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender but still hold their shape.
  4. Gently stir in the 8 ounces of chopped smoked salmon, being careful to keep the salmon flakes intact.
  5. Stir in 1 cup of whole milk or half-and-half. Warm the chowder on low heat for another 5 minutes without boiling.
  6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped dill and stir gently. Optionally, squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If too thick, add a splash more broth or milk to reach desired consistency. Serve piping hot.

Notes

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for best texture. Avoid boiling after adding milk to prevent curdling. Add fresh dill at the end to preserve brightness. Taste before adding salt as smoked salmon can be salty. For dairy-free, substitute milk with almond or coconut milk. Optional additions include corn, leeks, carrots, or a pinch of smoked paprika for a spicy twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked salmon chowder, potato chowder, comfort food, winter soup, creamy chowder, easy chowder recipe, smoked fish soup