Corn, Crab & Shrimp Chowder (Print Version)

Creamy corn, crab, and shrimp chowder with tender potatoes, sweet corn, lump crab, and a quick shell-and-cob stock.

# Ingredients:

For the quick stock

01 - 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined, shells reserved
02 - 4 ears fresh corn, kernels cut off, cobs reserved
03 - 3 cups (710 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
04 - 2 cups (475 ml) water
05 - 1 bay leaf

For the chowder

06 - 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter
07 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
08 - 2 celery ribs, finely diced
09 - 1 red or yellow bell pepper, diced
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
12 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
13 - 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
14 - 1 lb (450 g) Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
15 - 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) half-and-half
16 - 8 oz (225 g) lump crabmeat, picked over for shells
17 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
18 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
19 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
20 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

# Instructions:

01 - Combine shrimp shells, corn cobs, chicken broth, water, and bay leaf in a pot. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. Strain and reserve the liquid.
02 - Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened but not browned.
03 - Stir in Old Bay, cayenne if using, and flour. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the flour smells lightly toasted.
04 - Slowly whisk in the warm strained stock. Add potatoes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 12-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
05 - Stir in the corn kernels and half-and-half. Reduce the heat to low and warm for 3-4 minutes without boiling.
06 - Add shrimp and crabmeat. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Stir in chives and lemon juice, then adjust seasoning.

# Notes:

01 - The stock can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated.
02 - Use fresh or frozen corn, but fresh cobs give the stock more flavor.
03 - Reheat gently over low heat and do not boil after adding seafood.