You Won't Miss the Clams with this Seared Scallop Chowder

Seared Scallop Chowder from PikePlace Market Chowder

Usually at this time of the year I find myself at Pike Place Market in Seattle. There’s no better way to dive into the heart of Seattle’s culinary scene than to pay a visit to Pike Place Market with over 500 merchants packed into its nine diverse acres. Seattle’s 100 plus year-old  Pike Place Market is a hub of delicious and authentic cuisine and is my favourite market within driving distance. Pike Place Market provides an amazing range of culinary delights for those looking to be inspired.



It was not in the cards this fall to travel to Seattle but I was inspired by a taste memory from a foodie tour with the incomparable Jan Marie Johnson, founder of Seattle Bites Food Tours.  That first visit during my tour we visited nine hot spots, ranging from charming specialty mom and pop eateries, to one of a kind artisan food shops to beloved neighborhood cafes. All of the merchants we visited embrace an entrepreneurial spirit that delights locals and tourists alike.

One of our last food stops was Pike Place Chowder which is hidden away on Post Alley. Nowadays every time I go to the market I am drawn to this chowder house and with a little help from the staff behind the counter, I can choose from their classic award-winning clam chowder or eight others. As a case in point on just how good it is their traditional clam chowder was inducted into the Great Chowder Cookoff of Newport Rhode Island Hall of Fame after winning the “Nation’s Best Clam Chowder” three years in a row. The chowder I remember from my childhood was little more than bland blasts of cream to my taste buds in comparison but  the ones at Pike Place Chowder are well-crafted, with distinct personalities and subtle nuances. They have won awards for best chowder in the United States for good reason!!I can't say it is the best chowder I have ever had since I haven't tried chowder all over the world, but it does rank as one of the worlds best!!

I am haunted by their seared scallop chowder which is a beautiful blend with fresh dill and lime juice. Imagine my elation when I discovered a recipe for their award winning seared scallop chowder on the Pike Place Chowder website! You know I just had to recreate this ultimate comfort food in my own kitchen to allow me the pleasure of travelling down memory lane. This warming scallop chowder wraps you like the culinary version of a warm blanket and curls your toes. My version of this rich, traditional chowder recipe uses tender and creamy bay scallops.

The only change I made was to add less salt because I wasn't confidant my salt was comparable to what is used in the chowder house, and I added some diced celery since I had it on hand. A pinch of chopped parsley or chives and paprika makes for a nice garnish on top of the scallop chowder as well. Scallop chowder is rich enough to serve as a one-dish meal, especially if accompanied by fresh biscuits or bread. How did this chowder compare to what I have had in their store...well let's just say I can have this special treat all year round in my own kitchen!!!! With all that luscious cream I can see having this as a "shooter" for the holidays.

**Seared Scallop Chowder from Pike Place Market**

based on a recipe from Pike Place Chowder

2 lbs bay scallops
2 cups red skinned potatoes,steamed and diced
1 cup yellow onion, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
3 tablespoons sea salt (use salt at your discretion/I used 1 teaspoon)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups water
6 cups heavy cream
1 medium or 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
1/3 cup lime juice, about 3 limes
Cooking oil vegetable or canola
A pinch of chopped parsley or chives and paprika makes for a nice garnish

Cover the bottom of a large soup pot with mild-tasting cooking oil and bring to a high heat. Chop bay scallops into smaller piece and add to pot to sear lightly, turning frequently. Lower heat. Add diced onion and celery and saute until translucent. Mix in sea salt.

 Sprinkle flour over the mixture and slowly add water, stirring constantly until thick and smooth.  Add cream and pre-cooked diced potatoes. Stir until chowder reaches 190degrees F. Remove from heat. Add chopped tomatoes, dill and lime juice. Sprinkle with chopped chives and paprika. Let the mixture cool to 155 degrees F and enjoy this peoples favourite chowder from Pike Place Market Chowder.

*For gluten free chowder substitute rice flour or arrowroot.

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