A rich and comforting chowder made with fresh oysters, potatoes, and cream, perfect for seafood lovers seeking coastal comfort.

Scale

1 pint fresh oysters with liquor

3 slices bacon or salt pork, diced

2 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion, diced

2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

1 tablespoon flour

2 cups seafood broth or clam juice

1 cup heavy cream

1 sprig thyme or 1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped parsley or paprika for garnish

1. In a heavy pot, cook bacon until crisp; remove bacon and reserve fat in pot.

2. Add butter, onion, and potatoes to the fat; sauté until onions are soft and potatoes begin to tenderize.

3. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir to form a light roux, cooking for 1 minute.

4. Pour in seafood broth and bring to a simmer; cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 10 minutes.

5. Stir in oysters with their liquor and pour in heavy cream; simmer gently until oyster edges curl, about 3 minutes.

6. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme; remove bay leaf or thyme sprig.

7. Ladle chowder into bowls and top with crispy bacon and a sprinkle of parsley or paprika.

8. Serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

Keywords: oyster chowder, oyster soup, fresh oysters, chowder recipes, oyster recipes, seafood soup, coastal comfort