The Ultimate Creamy Salmon Chowder: A Timeless Family Tradition for Your Holiday Table
Salmon Chowder isn’t just a recipe; it’s a cherished memory, a comforting hug, and an eagerly anticipated highlight of our Christmas Eve celebrations. The rich, creamy base, studded with tender chunks of salmon and comforting potatoes, all brightened by the delicate whisper of fresh dill, creates a flavor profile that transports me straight back to childhood. This isn’t just any salmon chowder; it’s my loving interpretation of my grandmother’s beloved recipe, and I sincerely hope it finds a special place on your family’s table, just as it has on ours, becoming a tradition you look forward to year after year.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Le Creuset! As always, all opinions and the recipe itself are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Cake ‘n Knife possible!
Sitting down to craft this post, especially as the festive spirit of Christmastime envelops everything, proved to be a surprisingly emotional experience. It’s more than just sharing a recipe; it’s about recounting stories, evoking scents, and recalling the warmth of family gatherings that shaped my earliest and dearest memories.
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A Culinary Legacy: My Grandmother’s Influence
As many of you who follow my journey on About Me already know, my grandmother was, in essence, our family’s very own Julia Child. She possessed an unparalleled passion for cooking and an innate ability to transform simple ingredients into extraordinary meals for her beloved friends and family, no matter the occasion. Christmas, however, always held a special place in my heart – and hers. It was during the holiday season that her culinary artistry truly shone, and the recipes from those festive gatherings remain etched permanently in my memory as December 25th draws closer each year. Her kitchen was a place of magic, filled with laughter, warmth, and the most incredible aromas, making every dish feel like a celebration of love and togetherness.
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The Heart of Our Christmas Eve Tradition: Salmon Chowder
For our family, the moment my grandmother served her iconic fish chowder on Christmas Eve officially signaled the commencement of the Christmas festivities. Each year brought a different variation; sometimes it featured a delicate white fish, but a pivotal moment arrived when she introduced a salmon chowder. I vividly remember the excitement and unanimous adoration that swept through the dining room that year. Everyone, myself included, was absolutely captivated by its rich flavors and comforting texture.
From that unforgettable Christmas Eve forward, salmon chowder became the indisputable family favorite. It’s been the centerpiece of our holiday gathering every single year since, a tradition eagerly anticipated by all. A handful of years ago, I took on the delightful challenge of preparing my grandmother’s classic recipe for the family, daring to introduce a few subtle tweaks of my own. To my immense pleasure, it was met with overwhelming success, and I’ve been honored with the request to make it time and time again. It’s a true testament to the enduring power of a beloved recipe.
There’s an undeniable magic that seems to infuse this dish, whether it’s the inherent charm of my grandmother’s original creation, the enchanting atmosphere of the Christmas season, or perhaps the unique energy of cooking it in my grandmother’s original Le Creuset stockpot. Whatever the secret ingredient, this chowder consistently turns out perfectly, a warm and inviting bowl of pure comfort. My grandmother absolutely adored her Le Creuset collection. I can still picture her proudly bringing out her vibrant skillets, her sturdy Dutch ovens, the very same big blue stockpot I now use, and an assortment of kitchen tools, all bearing that iconic “Le Creuset” emblem.
She always maintained that Le Creuset represented the pinnacle of kitchenware quality. Once I began actively cooking and setting up my own home kitchen, I quickly understood exactly what she meant. Beyond the sheer beauty of their incredible colors and designs, which undoubtedly brighten any culinary space, their true allure lies in the uncompromising quality that every cook dreams of. Consider my grandmother’s venerable stockpot, for instance. I can’t even fathom how many years she cherished it before it was lovingly passed down to me about eight years ago, yet it remains as pristine and functional as the day it was purchased. This remarkable durability and timeless appeal are precisely why I am, and always will be, a loyal advocate for Le Creuset throughout my life. It transcends mere kitchen tools; it’s about investing in pieces that can be enjoyed today and then lovingly handed down through generations, continuing a legacy of delicious food and cherished family moments, much like my grandmother passed down her invaluable recipes to our entire family.
Le Creuset: A Tradition of Quality and Endurance
It fills me with profound joy to prepare this creamy, hearty, and undeniably savory chowder in such exquisite Le Creuset cookware. There’s a certain resonance, a feeling that I’m connecting with my grandmother’s spirit through every stir. I’m quite certain she would be incredibly proud of this collaboration and the continuation of her culinary legacy. The exceptional heat distribution and retention of Le Creuset enamel cast iron truly elevate the cooking experience, ensuring the chowder simmers perfectly, developing its deep, complex flavors without scorching. This cookware is not just functional; it’s an heirloom, designed to last for generations, much like the recipes themselves.
The chowder itself, while offering substantial heartiness, maintains a beautiful balance with its fresh and vibrant notes. A delightful burst of fresh dill invigorates every spoonful, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy. My personal adaptation of my grandmother’s recipe includes a touch of extra minced fennel, lending a subtle, aromatic bite that complements the salmon beautifully. Additionally, a judicious dash of cayenne pepper introduces just the right amount of warmth, a gentle heat that lingers delightfully on the palate without overpowering the delicate flavors of the fish and vegetables.
When serving this exquisite chowder, I highly recommend pairing it with a generous side of crusty artisan bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the luscious broth. Alternatively, for a more traditional chowder experience, a handful of oyster crackers adds a satisfying crunch. Complement this memorable main course with a crisp white wine, a refreshing salad, and perhaps a magnificent charcuterie board to commence your cocktail hour, and you have a dinner that is not merely a meal, but a truly rich and unforgettable experience. This soup isn’t just food; it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and the joy of coming together.
GIVEAWAY UPDATE
I can hardly believe it’s come to this – the final week of our spectacular “12 Days of Jolly Giveaways”! My heartfelt thanks go out to each and every one of you who has followed along with the posts and enthusiastically participated in the giveaways throughout the entire month. This truly has been my most ambitious and biggest giveaway EVERRRRR, and your engagement has made it incredibly special. A huge thank you to Le Creuset, the primary sponsor of our “12 Days of Jolly Giveaways,” for making this grand finale possible. Together, we had the incredible opportunity to offer one lucky winner a magnificent Le Creuset 5-Piece Signature Set. This premium collection includes a versatile 5 1/2 qt. round Dutch oven, a practical 1 3/4 qt. Signature saucepan, AND a superbly crafted 9″ Signature skillet! It’s an absolutely perfect starter set, or a fantastic addition to any kitchen, designed to help you achieve all your culinary aspirations. Although this specific giveaway is now closed, I encourage you to stay tuned for future opportunities and delicious recipes!
For those who joined in earlier, don’t forget to explore the other fantastic holiday recipes I’ve previously shared as part of the “12 Days of Jolly Giveaways.” Some past giveaways might even still be open, so be sure to check those posts if you missed out!
- Day One – Red Wine Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu
- Day Two – Gingerbread Challah Bread
- Day Three – Mini Beef Wellingtons
- Day Four – Bourbon Gingerbread Punch
- Day Five – Twice-Baked Chicken Shawarma Stuffed Potatoes
- Day Six – Head Country BBQ Prize Pack
- Day Seven – White Chocolate Dipped Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Day Eight – Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria
- Day Nine – How to Make Craft Beer Cocktails, Part One
- Day Ten – Salmon Chowder
This Recipe’s Must-Haves
To truly bring this delightful salmon chowder to life in your own kitchen, having the right tools can make all the difference. Beyond the fresh ingredients, certain pieces of cookware elevate the experience from preparation to serving. Here are some of the essential items I rely on – many of which you can spot in the accompanying photos – to achieve that perfect, comforting chowder. Investing in quality kitchenware, especially pieces that become part of your family’s culinary tradition, is always a worthwhile endeavor.
- Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 5-1/2-Quart Round Dutch Oven: The star of the show for its even heat distribution and ability to hold a large volume, perfect for simmering chowder.
- Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Saucepan: Useful for preparing other components or warming milk separately before adding to the chowder.
- Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet: While not strictly for the chowder itself, a good skillet is invaluable in any kitchen for searing salmon or sautéing other ingredients.
- Ginkgo International Stainless Steel Ladle: An essential tool for gracefully serving up bowls of this delicious, hearty soup without spills.
Don’t forget to Pin this Salmon Chowder recipe for easy access later!
Salmon Chowder
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium white onion minced
- 1 leek white and light green parts only, thinly sliced and rinsed
- 1/2 small bulb fennel finely minced, fronds reserved for garnish if desired
- 1 1/2 quarts quality fish stock (when fresh isn’t available, I highly recommend Better Than Bouillon Fish Base for rich flavor)
- 2 cups russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (approximately 2 medium potatoes)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper or to taste
- 1 lb boneless, skinless salmon fillet cut into 3/4-inch cubes
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 Tbsp freshly chopped dill plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or to taste, for a subtle kick
Instructions
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In a large Dutch oven (ideally a Le Creuset!), melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced white onion, thinly sliced leek, and finely minced fennel. Cook these aromatic vegetables until they are softened and fragrant, which usually takes approximately 5 to 8 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent browning.
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Pour in the fish stock and add the cubed russet potatoes to the pot. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook, uncovered, until the potatoes are perfectly tender when pierced with a fork, which will take approximately 20 minutes. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Carefully add the cubed salmon to the chowder. Continue to simmer gently, allowing the salmon to cook through. This usually takes only about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon pieces. Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry and flaky.
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Stir in the whole milk, heavy whipping cream, freshly chopped dill, garlic powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the chowder is warmed through and reaches your desired consistency. It’s crucial not to bring the mixture to a boil at this stage, as it can cause the cream to curdle. Taste the chowder and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
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Ladle the rich, creamy Salmon Chowder into bowls. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh dill and accompanied by plenty of crusty bread for dipping, or a side of crisp oyster crackers. A glass of your favorite white wine makes for a perfect complement to this heartwarming dish. Enjoy this special recipe, perhaps making it a new treasured tradition!