She Strengthens

Savoring the Flavors of the Sea

A Taste of the Coast in the Heart of the City

Atlanta may not be a coastal city, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy fresh, sustainable seafood. The Optimist, a renowned restaurant, brings the ocean to your plate with its delectable dishes. One of its signature recipes is a mouthwatering smoked white fish chowder that exudes elegance and comfort.

A Recipe Born from Passion

Chef and owner Ford Fry shares his secrets to creating this masterpiece, which can be prepared in just 30 minutes. The key to this recipe lies in using the freshest smoked white fish available, preferably sourced locally. Serve it with a side of Homemade Herb Crackers, Parker House Rolls, or oyster crackers for a truly satisfying experience.

Flexibility in the Kitchen

If you’re not in the mood for fish, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with other ingredients. Try our Quinoa Chowder with Spinach, Feta, and Scallions recipe or our Mushroom and Wild Rice Chowder recipe for a delicious twist.

Easy to Prepare, Delightful to Savor

This recipe is rated easy, with a total preparation time of 25 minutes and active cooking time of 25 minutes.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 1 cup diced bacon
• 2 cups diced yellow onion
• 1/2 cup diced carrot
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 2 quarts half and half
• 2 quarts heavy cream
• 1 cup white wine
• 2 cups smoked white fish
• Kosher salt, to taste

Let’s Get Cooking!

Heat a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or small stock pot over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crispy. Then, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and sweat them for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent.

Deglazing and Simmering

Next, deglaze the pot with the white wine and simmer for a minute or two, until the alcohol is cooked out. This step adds depth to the dish.

Creamy Goodness

Add the heavy cream and half and half, and bring to a gentle boil. Then, add the smoked fish, gently breaking it up into pieces with a wooden spoon, and allow it to heat through for a minute.

Season to Perfection

Remove the pot from heat and check the seasoning. Add salt to taste if needed, and serve hot. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors in this exquisite smoked white fish chowder!