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## **Instructions**
### **Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics**
1. In a large **heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven**, melt the **butter** over medium heat.
2. Add the **onion, celery, and carrots**, cooking for about **5 minutes** until they soften.
3. Stir in the **garlic** and cook for **30 seconds**, until fragrant.
### **Step 2: Make the Chowder Base**
4. Sprinkle the **flour** over the vegetables, stirring continuously for **1 minute** to cook out the raw taste.
5. Gradually pour in the **broth**, stirring to combine. Add the **potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme**.
6. Bring to a **gentle simmer** and cook for **10-15 minutes**, until the potatoes are tender.
### **Step 3: Add the Seafood**
7. Lower the heat to medium-low and carefully add the **shrimp, fish, and scallops/clams** to the pot.
8. Simmer for another **5-7 minutes** until the seafood is cooked through (shrimp should turn pink, and fish should flake easily).
### **Step 4: Finish with Cream**
9. Reduce heat to low and stir in the **heavy cream and milk**. Let the chowder warm through for a couple of minutes—**do not boil**, as this can cause the dairy to curdle.
### **Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!**
10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the creamy seafood chowder into bowls and garnish with **chopped fresh parsley** and **crispy bacon bits**. Serve with **crusty bread** or oyster crackers.
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## **Tips for the Best Seafood Chowder**
✔️ **Use Fresh or Frozen Seafood** – Fresh seafood is ideal, but high-quality frozen shrimp, fish, and scallops work just as well. Thaw before adding to the chowder.
✔️ **Don’t Overcook the Seafood** – Seafood cooks quickly! Remove from heat as soon as it’s done to keep it tender and juicy.
✔️ **Make it Thicker** – If you prefer an even thicker chowder, mash some of the potatoes before adding the cream.
✔️ **Add Some Heat** – A pinch of **cayenne pepper** or a dash of **hot sauce** gives the chowder a nice kick.
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## **What to Serve with Seafood Chowder**
Pair this comforting dish with:
🥖 **Warm Crusty Bread** – Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
🥗 **Light Side Salad** – A simple arugula or mixed greens salad balances out the richness.
🍷 **White Wine** – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the seafood flavors beautifully.
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## **Storing & Reheating**
– **Refrigerate** – Store leftovers in an **airtight container** in the fridge for up to **3 days**.
– **Reheat Gently** – Warm over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent the dairy from separating.
– **Freeze?** – Not recommended, as dairy-based soups can become grainy when thawed.
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## **Final Thoughts**
This **Seafood Chowder** is a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with the flavors of the sea. Whether you serve it for a **family dinner, special occasion, or cozy night in**, it’s bound to be a hit.
Try this recipe today and bring the taste of the coast to your kitchen! 🌊🍲
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