Healthy Shrimp Chowder

Heather Dessinger

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dairy free shrimp chowder

There’s nothing better on a cold day than a hearty soup or chili to warm the body (and spirit!). This shrimp chowder recipe does just that. It’s also a nutritious meal rich in healthy fats, protein, and vital nutrients that help support optimal health.

What is Shrimp Chowder?

A chowder is a rich, creamy soup that often includes seafood or corn with potatoes and onions. Shrimp chowder is the shrimp version of this soup. Chowder probably originated in England or France but made its way to America with early settlers. In fact, chowder has become a symbol of New England because of its simplicity (it was available to the masses), and how it can bring the community together. As settlers pushed westward, away from seafood sources, they began to experiment with different ingredients like corn or chicken.

Is Shrimp Healthy?

Shrimp that is farmed is best avoided. Farmed shrimp are often raised in unhealthy environments in areas of China or Thailand. Many shrimp are raised in very small ponds or tanks, making fecal contamination likely. These shrimp are not necessarily eating their natural diet and may be fed antibiotics to ward off disease. But wild-caught shrimp in moderation can be healthy.

Shrimp has a number of important nutrients that the body needs and some are not easily found in non-seafood protein sources. These include:

  • selenium
  • B12
  • phosphorus
  • choline
  • copper
  • iodine

Shrimp is also a good source of cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol doesn’t cause heart disease as we are often told. Cholesterol is important for many processes in the body, including the following:

  • Formation and maintenance of cell walls
  • Insulation for nerve cells
  • Digestion of fats
  • Creates Vitamin D
  • Creation of hormones
  • Repairing inflammation

Bottom Line: In moderation, wild-caught shrimp is a healthy food that provides important nutrients not easily found outside of seafood (like iodine).

Want More? Similar Recipes to Try

If you love seafood, check out these other recipes:

  • Zesty Shrimp Creole – Make it dairy-free by substituting coconut oil or sustainably harvested palm oil for butter.
  • Mediterranean Zucchini PastaThe mild flavor of the zucchini noodles in this recipe really makes the basil, sundried tomatoes and parmesan flavors pop. It’s so easy, satisfying and delicious! Also, if your kids are like mine they’ll love making the noodles, which means that step pretty much takes care of itself.
  • Paleo Crab CakesSeasoned with lemon zest and bright, fresh herbs, my kids love these crab cakes served over lettuce with homemade tartar sauce on the side.
  • Blackened Salmon Recipe – This easy blackened salmon recipe is quick and delicious, and can be made both mild and extra fiery depending on your preference.

Next, I want to try this Roasted Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe from A Whole New Twist.

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5 from 1 vote

Healthy Shrimp Chowder Recipe

An easy to make, hearty chowder with shrimp, potatoes, and onion.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 12 cups
Calories 333kcal
Author Heather Dessinger

Equipment

  • vegetable peeler
  • chopping knife
  • large stock pot
  • stirring spoon

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Peel and dice potatoes or chop cauliflower into bite size pieces.
  • In a large stock pot, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Add the potatoes or cauliflower and cook, stirring occasionally until they start to soften, about 8-10 minutes.
  • While the potatoes/cauliflower are cooking, slice the celery and finely dice the onion.
  • Add the celery and onion to the stock pot and cook, stirring occasionally, an additional 8-10 minutes.
  • Add the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot.
  • Reduce the heat to low and add all the remaining ingredients, heating and stirring occasionally until heated through.
  • If desired, sprinkle with hot sauce to serve.

Notes

Feel free to use whichever vegetables you like best in your chowder.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 333kcal | Carbohydrates: 8.8g | Protein: 42.6g | Fat: 12.7g | Saturated Fat: 6.9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 304mg | Sodium: 650mg | Potassium: 0mg | Fiber: 0.8g | Sugar: 2.5g | Vitamin A: 0IU | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 0mg | Iron: 0mg

What is your favorite way to eat shrimp?

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About HEATHER

Heather is a holistic health educator, herbalist, DIYer, Lyme and mold warrior. Since founding Mommypotamus.com in 2009, Heather has been taking complicated health research and making it easy to understand. She shares tested natural recipes and herbal remedies with millions of naturally minded mamas around the world. 

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12 thoughts on “Healthy Shrimp Chowder”

  1. I love seafood chowders! Yours looks terrific. 🙂 FYI–The link for the Cauliflower Wraps is going to another recipe. Luckily, I foudn the recipe though. They look amazing, too. 😉

    Shirley

    Reply
  2. I made this after coming across it the other day and it was AMAZING!! My husband and I ate every last drop. Should’ve doubled or even tripled the recipe!!

    Reply
    • Merleah, I’m so glad you and your husband enjoyed this! Doubling the recipe is a good idea… and tripling it is an even better idea 🙂

      Reply
  3. AWESOME!! I am not a huge dairy person, so I was really excited to try this. Made it last Friday- my fiance & I both LOVED it! I doubled it, added a little more seasoning, along with some hot sauce. Sharing it on my blog and definitely making this again. Thank you 🙂

    Reply
  4. Noticed your comment about colitis. My daughter has/had IBS. She started on Kimberly Snyder’s Beauty Detox program and has been able to stop taking meds or having attacks. Hope it could help you the same way. Love the site. Just getting started on the gluten free path so all the recipes are so very helpful.

    Reply
  5. This recipe is brilliant! I used just the base (cauliflower, zucchini, chicken broth, coconut milk, lemon juice, and ghee) and made it into cream of chicken soup. We’ve had a hard time getting gravies and sauces right since going gluten-free. This would make a delightful white gravy or potentially a brown gravy. Can’t wait to experiment more!

    Reply