This delicious creamy seafood chowder is made from a number of ingredients sourced from Waikato Farmers Markets.
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
100g streaky bacon, chopped
1 tbsp plain flour
600ml fish stock
200g potatoes, peeled and diced
100g pumpkin, peeled and diced
pinch cayenne pepper
300ml milk
500g mixed fresh market seafood
4 tbsp single cream
small bunch parsley, dill or lovage, chopped
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat, then add the onion and bacon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the onion is soft and the bacon is cooked. Stir in the flour, then cook for a further 2 minutes.
Pour in the fish stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the potatoes and pumpkin, cover, then simmer for 10-12 minutes until they are cooked through.
Add the cayenne pepper and some seasoning and stir in the milk.
Add the seafood and gently simmer for 4 minutes before adding the cream. Check the seasoning, sprinkle with the herbs and serve with some fresh market bread.