Finnan Haddie & Chorizo Chowder
Ingredients
2 Finnan haddie (or smoked haddock) fillets, trimmed (use trimmings for broth – see note), cut in chunks3 tbsp (50 mL) olive oil
1.2 lbs (550 g) chorizo sausage (about 4 links), casings removed
1 large carrot, diced
1 large white onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
¾-1 lb (400-500 g) white potatoes, peeled and diced
¼ tsp (1 mL) chili flakes
3 cups (750 mL) whole evaporated milk
2 cups (500 mL) fish stock or water
4 bay leaves
2-3 dashes, hot sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh chopped parsley
Directions
Note: Add smoked fish trimmings to fish stock or water and add, if desired, some carrot peelings onion and celery scraps and fresh thyme, simmer 1 hour then use this in the soup where required.
In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, add sausage casings and cook for 10 minutes, stirring to break up pieces into small bits. When mostly cooked but not crispy, add carrot, onion and celery and continue cooking another 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, except fish, and bring to a simmer, stirring bottom of pan to keep from sticking. When simmer has been reached, cook 10 minutes, or until potatoes are mostly cooked. Add fish and simmer gently until fish flakes, about 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning and top with chopped parsley.
Tip: Best enjoyed the next day when reheated so that flavours are infused.