Tomato Seafood Chowder

When I think of chowder I think of thick, creamy seafood chowder; the kind that is high in fat and calories. Don't get me wrong, I do love butter and cream and I'm fully aware that it provides warmth and comfort on a chilly night, however, I prefer something I can enjoy guilt-free. So, to solve that problem, I present to you Fat Chowder's skinnier, more flavorful sister- Tomato Chowder. Tomato Seafood Chowder that is.  She contains fresh plum tomatoes, shrimp, cod, scallops,baby clams, carrot, parsnip, onion, celery, potato, herbs and spices, and plenty of flavor.

**Note: Don't let the pumpkin in the picture fool you. There is no pumpkin in this chowder. I'm just obsessed with Fall and Pumpkins these days. :)

Tomato Seafood Chowder

serves 4-5

Ingredients:

1 C boiling water

4 tbsp cooking Sherry

1/4 tsp fish sauce

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp thyme

1/2 C fresh cilantro

1 bay leaf

 3 tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic (grated)

3 carrots (chopped)

1 large starchy potato Goldrush or Russet microwaved for 3 minutes and chopped into 1 inch cubes

1 large yellow onion (chopped)

 1 parsnip (chopped)

4 stalks of celery (chopped)

4-5 plum tomatoes (diced)

2 C shrimp

1 + 1/2 C small scallops

2 cod fillets

1 can baby clams (partially drained)

1 tsp lemon zest

At medium heat, add olive oil to pot. Add grated garlic and onion. When onion becomes translucent, add the carrot, parsnip, celery, 1/4 tsp black pepper. 

After 3-4 minutes, add in 1 cup of boiling water, 4 tbsp sherry, 1/4 tsp fish sauce, and 1/4 tsp salt. 

Simmer for 2-3 minutes,then add the diced tomatoes, and potatoes. 

Add 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp lemon zest. 

Finally, add in your sea food. Make sure it is all thawed and the cod is cut into cubes.

Reduce to low heat.

Add in 1/2 cup fresh cilantro and 1 bay leaf.

Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Don't forget to remove the bay leaf before serving.

Top with 1 tbsp of non-fat plain Greek yogurt or sour cream and some extra cilantro leaves before serving.

Curl up on your couch with a blanket and enjoy! :)