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5.0 from 36 votes

Lake Erie Perch Chowder

This is a pretty standard fish chowder with some Polish flair tossed in. I of course used Lake Erie yellow perch, but any firm fish will do. Use a good chowder fish like perch, tautog, tilefish, sturgeon, cobia, California white seabass, grouper -- the key is firm and white. Most good Polish kielbasa sausage is smoked, and while you can use whatever sausage you want, make sure it is smoked. You want that flavor with the mild fish. The dill really adds something to the stew, but if you hate it, use parsley instead. As for the sour cream, put it in a bowl at the table and let people add it to their liking.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 264 kcal
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Polish

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow or white onion, about 2 cups, chopped
  • 1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold or other waxy potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 quart fish or clam stock
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon marjoram
  • salt and black pepper
  • 1 1/2 pounds skinless yellow perch fillets, cut into chunks
  • 6 to 8 ounces Polish kielbasa, sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill or parsley
  • 1 cup sour cream, served tableside

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium heat. When it stops frothing, add the chopped onion and cook gently until its soft and translucent. Do not let it brown.
  2. Add the potatoes and coat with the butter. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to let the butter absorb a bit. Sprinkle everything with salt. Pour in the fish stock, water and marjoram and add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  3. Once the potatoes are tender, add the perch and the kielbasa and simmer another 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the dill.
  4. Ladle into bowls and let everyone add sour cream to taste at the table. Serve with lots of beer. and some crusty bread.

Notes

  • If you are looking for a chowder that works well with Great Lakes salmon and lake trout, try my Salmon Chowder.

Nutrition Information

Calories 264kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 18g (6%) Protein 22g (44%) Fat 12g (18%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Cholesterol 103mg (34%) Sodium 469mg (20%) Potassium 760mg (22%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 449IU (9%) Vitamin C 21mg (23%) Calcium 155mg (16%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 264

% Daily Value*

Calories 264kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 18g 6%
Protein 22g 44%
Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 103mg 34%
Sodium 469mg 20%
Potassium 760mg 16%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 449IU 9%
Vitamin C 21mg 23%
Calcium 155mg 16%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.