Nothing spells comfort quite like a hearty bowl of chowder on a chilly evening. This One-Pot Haddock, Leek & Cheddar Chowder combines flaky haddock, tender leeks, creamy potatoes, and rich cheddar in a silky, warming broth that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl.
Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish is simple yet luxurious. It’s all made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re feeding your family or treating yourself, this chowder brings a little extra warmth and a lot of flavor to your table.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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300g haddock fillets (skinless and boneless)
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1 leek, thinly sliced
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1 large potato, peeled and diced
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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600ml fish stock
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200ml semi-skimmed milk
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100g mature cheddar cheese, grated
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 bay leaf
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add the chopped onion, garlic, and sliced leek. Sauté gently for 5 minutes until softened but not browned.
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Stir in the diced potato and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Pour in the fish stock, add the bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper.
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Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
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Add the haddock pieces and milk to the pot, simmer gently for 5 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
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Remove the bay leaf, stir in the grated cheddar cheese, and cook until melted and creamy.
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Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
One-Pot Haddock, Leek & Cheddar Chowder: A Cozy Classic Reinvented
When the temperatures dip and the days grow shorter, few dishes satisfy the soul like a hearty bowl of chowder. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, chowder has a long-standing tradition as a comfort food favorite. Among its many variations, the One-Pot Haddock, Leek & Cheddar Chowder stands out for its luxurious texture and perfect balance of flavors. It’s a celebration of humble ingredients simple yet spectacular and it captures everything we love about cozy, homemade meals.
A Brief History of Chowder
Chowder has roots that trace back centuries, with early versions appearing in fishing communities along the coasts of France and England. When settlers crossed the Atlantic, they brought their chowder-making traditions with them, and it quickly became a staple in New England cuisine. Traditional chowder was a practical dish: a hearty soup that made the most of locally available ingredients like salt pork, fish, and ship’s biscuits.
In America, chowder evolved into several regional varieties, from the creamy New England Clam Chowder to the tomato-based Manhattan Clam Chowder. Regardless of variations, the heart of chowder remains the same a thick, nourishing soup that feels like a warm embrace on a cold day.
The Haddock, Leek & Cheddar Chowder brings a delightful twist to this tradition by blending the buttery flavor of haddock with the sweet mildness of leeks and the creamy tang of mature cheddar cheese.
Why Haddock, Leek, and Cheddar Work So Well Together
The success of this chowder lies in its thoughtful pairing of ingredients.
Haddock is a firm, flaky white fish that holds its structure beautifully in soups and stews. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that doesn’t overpower the dish but adds depth and heartiness. It’s often the fish of choice for traditional British fish pies and chowders for exactly this reason.
Leeks, on the other hand, offer a gentle onion-like flavor without the sharpness of regular onions. Their sweet, earthy taste enhances the broth and complements the delicate nature of the haddock. When cooked slowly, leeks develop a buttery tenderness that adds luxurious body to any dish.
Cheddar cheese introduces a creamy, slightly sharp richness that ties the entire chowder together. The cheddar melts into the broth, creating a velvety texture while adding layers of complexity to the flavor profile. It’s the ingredient that transforms a good chowder into a truly unforgettable one.
Together, these ingredients create a harmony of flavors delicate fish, mellow sweetness, and creamy sharpness wrapped up in a cozy, soul-warming broth.
Health Benefits of One-Pot Haddock, Leek & Cheddar Chowder
Beyond its incredible flavor, this chowder also offers some impressive nutritional benefits.
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High in Protein: Haddock provides a lean source of protein, essential for muscle maintenance and repair.
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Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Leeks are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants that support a healthy immune system. Haddock is also a great source of B vitamins and selenium.
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Calcium Boost: Thanks to the cheddar cheese, this chowder delivers a healthy dose of calcium, supporting strong bones and teeth.
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Heart-Healthy Ingredients: Olive oil, often used for the initial sautéing of vegetables, contributes beneficial monounsaturated fats to the dish.
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Comfort Without Excess: Despite being rich and creamy, the chowder can be made lighter by adjusting the amount of cheese or opting for semi-skimmed milk, offering all the comfort with fewer calories.
With wholesome ingredients and nourishing qualities, this chowder proves that comfort food can indeed be good for you.
Serving Suggestions
This chowder is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it even further with thoughtful accompaniments:
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Crusty Bread: Serve with thick slices of warm, rustic bread to soak up every drop of the luscious broth.
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Simple Green Salad: A fresh, lightly dressed green salad offers a crisp contrast to the creamy chowder.
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Herb Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
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Lemon Wedge: A small squeeze of lemon before serving can lift the flavors and add a fresh zing.
For a full dinner party spread, start with a light appetizer like a vinaigrette-dressed beet salad and follow with the chowder as the centerpiece. A chilled white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, pairs beautifully with the creamy, savory notes of the dish.
Variations and Customizations
The beauty of a chowder lies in its versatility. You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand:
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Swap the Fish: Substitute haddock with cod, pollock, or even smoked fish for a deeper flavor.
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Add More Vegetables: Corn, carrots, or peas add color, texture, and nutrition.
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Make It Smoky: Add a hint of smoked paprika or a few strips of crispy bacon to introduce a smoky dimension.
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Go Fully Decadent: Stir in a splash of cream at the end for an even richer chowder.
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Gluten-Free Adaptations: Ensure that the stock used is gluten-free and serve with gluten-free bread to accommodate those with sensitivities.
Why This Chowder Should Be Your Next Go-To Comfort Meal
With its perfect blend of hearty, healthy, and indulgent, the One-Pot Haddock, Leek & Cheddar Chowder hits every note you want in a comforting homemade dish. It’s incredibly satisfying without being heavy, and its one-pot nature makes it ideal for weeknight dinners when time and energy are short.
The flavors are balanced but bold enough to impress guests, making it a fantastic centerpiece for casual dinner parties or family gatherings. And because it uses widely available ingredients, it’s accessible enough for even beginner home cooks to master.
There’s also something incredibly rewarding about cooking chowder from scratch the gentle simmering, the rich aromas filling the kitchen, the first spoonful that warms you from the inside out. In a world that often feels rushed and complicated, a bowl of this homemade chowder is a reminder to slow down, savor the simple pleasures, and share a comforting meal with loved ones.
Conclusion:
The One-Pot Haddock, Leek & Cheddar Chowder isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the essence of cozy comfort, wrapped up in a single, soul-satisfying bowl. From its historic roots in old-world fishing villages to your modern kitchen, this dish continues a legacy of nourishing, delicious food made with care and heart.
Whether you’re chasing away the winter chill, seeking an easy but impressive meal, or just craving something that feels like home, this chowder delivers. Rich, creamy, wholesome, and unforgettable it’s a dish you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
So, next time you need a meal that comforts as much as it satisfies, reach for your favorite pot, gather these simple ingredients, and whip up a pot of haddock, leek, and cheddar magic. Your taste buds and your soul will thank you.