This creamy chowder recipe comes from my aunt in Copper Center, Alaska.
She and my uncle are teachers who moved to Alaska in the mid-1970s to teach Eskimo children who lived in the outer-most villages of the northern wilderness of Alaska. For years they themselves lived in poor conditions in order to bring some kind of education to the children and parents who lived in remote places with no schools or public facilities.
I have often wished my aunt and uncle had written a book, as their efforts were tireless, experiences were many and vast, and the memories they have are so interesting to hear.
Now they have a warm and comfortable home in Copper Center, which is about four hours east of Anchorage. I visited them a few years ago when my aunt shared this recipe with me. It is a delicious way to eat salmon, and is also loaded with veggies. It's become one of my oldest son's favorites.
Hot chowder just hits the spot on these cold winter days, and many of their days were 25 degrees below 0.
Salmon Chowder
Ingredients
2 cups salmon, cooked, or 2 cups canned salmon
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons butter
1âÑ2 cup chopped onion
1âÑ2 cup chopped celery
1âÑ4 cup chopped green pepper
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced potatoes
1âÑ2 cup diced zucchini
1 cup frozen corn, peas, or veggie of your choice
11âÑ2 teaspoons salt
1âÑ2 teaspoon thyme (key to the great flavor)
3âÑ4 teaspoon black pepper
1 can evaporated milk
In a large pot, lightly saut̩ the garlic, onion, celery and green pepper in the butter. Add chicken broth, carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and corn. Add cut-up salmon. Add more chicken broth if it's too thick for you. Add seasonings and let simmer for 30 minutes. Add evaporated milk and simmer for an additional 20 minutes. Makes about 6 servings. And it's delicious served with hot cornbread.
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Pat Altomare's "Pat's Kitchen" runs weekly in the Wednesday Home section of The Eagle-Tribune. She invites your questions and comments. E-mail patakitchen@yahoo.com, or write c/o The Eagle-Tribune, 100 Turnpike St., North Andover, MA 01845.
