Fish and Fennel Chowder Soup
David Scott Allen · Provencal Recipes · Soup · TasteWhen you think of fish chowder New England probably springs to mind, but I made this on a cold winter day in Tuscan. Depending on where you live, and the time of year feel free to vary the fish accordingly. In Provence, with ready access to fresh seafood use cod (cabillaud) or sea-bream (daurade). We decided to serve this fish and fennel chowder around our outdoor fireplace enjoying an al fresco dinner with friends.
Fish and Fennel Chowder
Easy and satisfying - a perfect soup.
Ingredients
- 2 leeks white and light green parts, cleaned
- 2 fennel bulbs
- 3 cups (720ml) Light Fish or Seafood Stock *
- Salt
- 1 lb (454g) waxy potatoes
- 2 cups (480ml) light cream or Half-and-Half
- 12 oz (340g) firm White Fish can be mixed types *
- 4 oz (114g) smoked salmon
- sweet paprika for garnish
- fennel fronds for garnish
Instructions
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a large stockpot.
- Cut the cleaned leeks in half lengthwise then in 1/4-inch half rounds. Trim the fennel bulbs, cut them in half through the root end and slice thinly (I used a mandoline at the 1/8-inch setting). Add the leeks and fennel to the butter and stir to coat. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are soft, stirring occasionally.
- Peel and cut potatoes into 3/4-inch pieces. Add to the pot along with the fish stock and bring to a boil. Season well with salt. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Add the light cream to the pot and bring to a simmer. Cut fish into 1-inch pieces and add to the pot. Return to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until white fish is cooked through.
- Divide among heated bowls, sprinkle with paprika and fennel fronds, and serve hot.
Notes
* Notes: I used More Than Gourmet Classic Seafood Stock (this is not an endorsement, but I like it!), red potatoes — thought Yukon Gold Will work, though I don’t think blue potatoes would look so pretty — and a mixture of grouper and lingcod along with the smoked salmon.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Other Soup Recipes:
Creamy Mushroom and Chestnut Soup
Marseille Fish Soup – Soupe de Poisson
Cauliflower Soup with Coconut Milk and Fresh Ginger
Butternut Squash Soup – Velouté de Butternut
Legal
All rights reserved. Perfectly Provence articles and other content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten (including translations into other languages) or redistributed without written permission. For usage information, please contact us.
Syndication InformationAffiliate Information
As an Amazon Associate, this website earns from qualifying purchases. Some recipes, posts and pages may have affiliate links. If you purchase via these links, we receive a small commission that does not impact your price. Thank you in advance for supporting our work to maintain Perfectly Provence.
Previous Post
Pairing Spicy Food with Wine It's TrickyNext Post
Giveaway! Focus on Wellness this FallRelated Provence Articles
5 Reasons Why We Love Aix-en-Provence
July 10, 2025
Today’s Aix-en-Provence was founded in 122 BC when the Romans moved from Entremont, an oppidum established by the Salyens, a Celtic-Ligurian tribe. The new settlement was Aquae Sextiae (“the waters of Sextius”), a tribute to the highly respected Roman consul Caius Sextius Calvinus. Strategically located, this new city had access to natural water sources. While …
Summer is Rosé Time in Provence. Is 2024 a Good Vintage?
July 8, 2025
Now that summer is here, rosé wines will become even more interesting, but what about the rosé wine from Provence vintage 2024? Göran Boman, a wine expert and connoisseur of Provencal wines, recently wrote a post on his blog, “Is Provence Rosé Vintage 2024 Good?” More and more rosé is considered a wine that belongs …
Experience Pure Lavender Magic: Terre Ugo Near Aix-en-Provence
June 30, 2025
Terre Ugo is delighted to announce its 2025 summer program, set amidst picturesque lavender and sunflower fields. This enchanting 7-hectare family farm, situated on the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence in Puyricard, is teeming with 30,000 organic Lavender plants. From June 1 to August 31, the estate welcomes visitors daily from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. Guests …
The Summer Truffle Festival in Aups is a Culinary Treat – Don’t Miss Out!
June 23, 2025
Located between the Mediterranean coast and the Alps, the village of Aups sits at 505 metres (1,657 ft). Considered the capital of the Haut-Var, this mid-sized town has a population of roughly 2200 residents. However, on a busy summer weekend, Aups attracts many visitors. It is considered the “gateway” to the Verdon Regional Natural Park, …
No Comment