🐟 Wellness Wednesday Recipe: Nourishing Fish Chowder

For this week’s Wellness Wednesday, I wanted to share one of my favorite comforting recipes that’s both hearty and nourishing — Fish Chowder. It’s a cozy, one-pot meal that delivers warmth, protein, and real comfort on a chilly evening. This version uses red potatoes (for extra texture and nutrients) and a full cup of chopped mushrooms, which bring rich flavor and immune-boosting benefits. It’s a great way to make comfort food part of your wellness journey!

🧂 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

2 tablespoons butter

2 cups chopped onion

1 cup chopped mushrooms

1 stalk celery, chopped

4 cups chicken stock (low-sodium preferred)

4 cups diced red potatoes (washed, skin on for fiber)

2 pounds cod or any firm white fish, cut into ½-inch cubes

1 cup clam juice

½ cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)

⅛ teaspoon Old Bay or seafood seasoning

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 (12-ounce) cans evaporated milk

¼ cup cooked, crumbled bacon or fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

👩🍳 Method

Sauté the aromatics
In a large stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onion, mushrooms, and celery, and cook until tender and fragrant (about 5–7 minutes).

Add broth and potatoes
Pour in the chicken stock and add the diced red potatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

Add the fish
Gently stir in the cubed fish and let it cook for another 8–10 minutes, until opaque and flaky.

Thicken the chowder
In a small bowl, whisk together the clam juice and flour until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup and simmer for 1–2 minutes until it slightly thickens.

Finish with seasoning and milk
Stir in Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and add the evaporated milk. Mix gently so it stays creamy and smooth.

Serve and enjoy
Ladle into bowls and top with a bit of crumbled bacon or fresh parsley. Pair it with a side salad or whole-grain bread for a balanced, satisfying meal.

🌿 Health Benefits

High-quality protein – Fish provides lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids that support heart, brain, and joint health.

Red potatoes – A great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Keeping the skin on boosts nutrients and supports digestive health.

Mushrooms – Naturally rich in antioxidants and compounds that may support immunity and reduce inflammation.

Dairy for balance – Evaporated milk gives creaminess while adding calcium and vitamin D for bone health.

Comfort with purpose – This chowder offers warmth and satisfaction without being overly heavy — the perfect mix of flavor and function.

💡 Dr. Mendoza’s Wellness Tip

To keep this dish light and nourishing:
✨ Use low-sodium broth.
✨ Add a handful of spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.
✨ Replace half of the evaporated milk with unsweetened almond milk if you prefer a lighter version.

👩‍⚕️ As always, discuss your nutrition goals and dietary needs with your healthcare provider to find what’s best for you.

🥣 Warm up your week with this wholesome Fish Chowder — nourishing comfort made simple!

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