Name: Spring Pea Fish Chowder
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 leeks, white and pale green parts only, tough outer layer removed; 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 1 lb. baby creamer (Yukon Gold) potatoes, halved (quartered if larger than 1 1/2" in diameter); 2 tsp. kosher salt, divided; 1 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more; 1 cup pure clam juice; 2 bay leaves; 1 lb. skinless halibut or cod fillet, cut into 2x1" pieces; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 (10-oz.) bag frozen sweet peas, thawed; 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice; Pea shoots (tendrils) or sprouts, basil leaves, finely grated lemon zest, and flaky sea salt (for serving)

Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell

Sweet peas, pea shoots, and a sprinkle of lemon zest give this light, just-creamy-enough chowder an extra dose of freshness. While cod might be a more traditional chowder choice, we love halibut for its meatier texture and sweeter flavor.

Recipe information

Total Time
40 minutes
Yield
4 servings

Ingredients

3 leeks, white and pale green parts only, tough outer layer removed

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 lb. baby creamer (Yukon Gold) potatoes, halved (quartered if larger than 1 1/2" in diameter)

2 tsp. kosher salt, divided

1 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more

1 cup pure clam juice

2 bay leaves

1 lb. skinless halibut or cod fillet, cut into 2x1" pieces

1 cup heavy cream

1 (10-oz.) bag frozen sweet peas, thawed

1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Pea shoots (tendrils) or sprouts, basil leaves, finely grated lemon zest, and flaky sea salt (for serving)

Preparation

Step 1
Cut leeks into 1/4" rounds. Rinse, tossing with hands so that leeks separate into individual rings, and drain thoroughly. Transfer to a medium pot. Add oil and toss to coat. Cover pot and cook over medium heat until leeks begin to soften, 5–6 minutes. Add potatoes, 1 tsp. kosher salt, and 1 1/2 tsp. pepper and stir to combine. Add clam juice, bay leaves, and 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, until potatoes are fork-tender, 10–12 minutes.
Step 2
Season halibut with remaining 1 tsp. kosher salt. Add to pot along with cream and peas and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until halibut is opaque, 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
Step 3
Divide chowder among bowls. Top with pea shoots, basil, and lemon zest. Season with sea salt and a generous amount of pepper.