This is the BEST winter soup, utterly gratifying and tasty. Very adaptable. Since we have cats we buy bonito flakes in bulk, a large pinch or two subs for clam juice and adds a subtle Smokey flavor that blends nicely. Cream/milk, doesnβt matter. Despite the presence of miso and bonito flakes it is not fishy, norβ¦ βJapaneseβ ramen broth flavorβ¦ you canβt tell it has these ingredients! Do not add salt until you taste the broth! Itβs fine to not salt the cod or the broth. You could probably make this without fish and it would be fuck8ng good. Maybe sautΓ©ed mushrooms, or roasted veg.
NY Times miso cod chowder
Yield:
4 servings
1tablespoon neutral oil, such as safflower or canola
4ounces bacon (3 to 4 slices), sliced crosswise into ΒΌ-inch pieces
2tablespoons unsalted butter
1leek, white and light green parts, thinly sliced crosswise
1celery stalk, diced
Salt and black pepper
ΒΌcup white miso
2(8-ounce) bottles clam juice
1pound small new potatoes, quartered
1thyme sprig
Β½cup heavy cream
Β½cup thinly sliced scallions
1Β½pounds center-cut cod, or other flaky white fish, cut into 1 Β½-inch chunks
Crusty bread or oyster crackers, for serving
Step 1
In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium. Add bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 2
Add butter, leek and celery to the pot, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3 minutes. Add miso and cook, stirring and mashing with a spoon, until well incorporated and caramelized, 2 to 3 minutes. Add clam juice, potatoes, thyme sprig and 2 cups of water, and bring to a boil over high, stirring to lift up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Cover, reduce heat to medium and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
Step 3
Stir in cream and half of the scallions, and bring to a gentle simmer. Season fish with salt and add to pot. Gently poach until it is just cooked through and flaky, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and discard thyme sprig.
Step 4
Divide chowder across bowls, and garnish with the crispy bacon and remaining scallions. Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers.
#cooking #chowder #winter