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Ann Pachett's Spicy Seafood Chowder

This tomato-based chowder tastes a bit like Creole jambalaya. Because the broth can be prepared one day ahead, the recipe is especially convenient for dinner parties.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 main-course servings

Ingredients

3

tablespoons olive oil

1

/2 cup chopped onion

1

/2 cup chopped celery

1

/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

3

large garlic cloves, minced

1

/2 teaspoon dried basil

1

/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1

/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1

/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper

2

1/2 cups bottled clam juice

2

8-ounce cans tomato sauce

1

/4 cup orzo

1

/2 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined

1

/2 pound bay scallops, side muscles removed

2

6-ounce cans chopped clams

1

tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-heat. Add onion, celery, and green pepper; sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute. Add basil, thyme, oregano, and dried crushed red pepper; sauté 1 minute. Stir in bottled clam juice and tomato sauce; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly thickened, about 30 minutes. (Broth can be prepared 1 day ahead. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, then cover and keep refrigerated. Rewarm over low heat before continuing.)

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, cook orzo in pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain. Rinse under cold water until cool. Drain well.

    Step 3

    Add shrimp and scallops to broth; simmer until shrimp are just opaque in center, about 3 minutes. Stir in orzo and clams with juices; simmer until clams are just heated through. Divide chowder among 4 bowls. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.