Savory Bahamian Conch Chowder
Dive into the rich culinary heritage of the Bahamas with this Savory Bahamian Conch Chowder. A beloved staple brought to the Florida Keys by Bahamian immigrants, this chowder showcases the unique flavor of conch—deemed mystical and believed to enhance male potency. The combination of fresh vegetables, smoky ham, and aromatic spices creates a satisfying and hearty dish. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this chowder brings the vibrant essence of island living to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 teaspoon
sweet onions
2 1/2 cups (chopped)
bell pepper
1 large (chopped (about 1 cup))
lean ham
1 cup (diced)
garlic cloves
2 large (minced)
chopped tomatoes
2 (14.5 ounce) cans
tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can
tomato juice
1/2 cup
hot water
1 cup
bay leaf
1
barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon
marjoram
1 teaspoon
sage
1/2 teaspoon
thyme
1/4 teaspoon
parsley
1 teaspoon
oregano
1/2 teaspoon
salt
3/4 teaspoon
cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
tenderized ground conch
1-2 lbs
Busha Browne's spicy & hot pepper sherry wine or brandy
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, diced ham, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and fragrant.
2
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato juice, hot water, and add the bay leaf. Incorporate the barbecue sauce, marjoram, sage, thyme, parsley, oregano, salt, cracked black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
3
Once boiling, gently fold in the tenderized ground conch. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chowder simmer for 5 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the conch to become tender.
4
Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste the chowder for seasoning adjustments. Serve the chowder hot, drizzling each individual portion with Busha Browne's spicy & hot pepper sherry wine or brandy to enhance its fiery flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Bahamian Conch Chowder?
It is a hearty, tomato-based seafood soup featuring tenderized ground conch and aromatic spices, representing the culinary heritage of the Bahamas.
Where does this specific style of conch chowder originate?
This chowder is a beloved staple brought to the Florida Keys by Bahamian immigrants.
What are the unique properties attributed to conch in this recipe?
Conch is deemed mystical and is traditionally believed to enhance male potency.
What kind of meat besides conch is used in this recipe?
The recipe includes one cup of diced lean ham to add a smoky flavor.
How much sweet onion is required for the chowder?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of chopped sweet onions.
What type of bell pepper is recommended?
One large bell pepper, which is approximately 1 cup when chopped.
How many garlic cloves should be used?
Two large garlic cloves, minced, are used for the aromatic base.
What tomato products form the base of the broth?
The broth consists of two 14.5-ounce cans of chopped tomatoes, one 6-ounce can of tomato paste, and half a cup of tomato juice.
Does the recipe require any water?
Yes, it requires one cup of hot water.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the onions, bell peppers, ham, and garlic for about 5 minutes.
What is the purpose of adding barbecue sauce to the chowder?
One tablespoon of barbecue sauce is added to enhance the depth of flavor in the spice mixture.
Which dried herbs are included in this Bahamian chowder?
The herb blend includes marjoram, sage, thyme, parsley, and oregano.
What spices are used to provide the heat and seasoning?
The recipe uses salt, cracked black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
How much conch is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 to 2 lbs of tenderized ground conch.
How long should the chowder simmer?
The chowder should simmer on low heat for 5 to 6 hours.
Why is a long simmer time necessary for this dish?
The long simmering process allows the various flavors to meld together and ensures the conch becomes perfectly tender.
When should the tenderized ground conch be added to the pot?
The conch should be folded in once the liquid and spice mixture has reached a rolling boil.
Should the pot be covered while the chowder simmers?
Yes, the instructions specify to cover the pot after reducing the heat to low.
What must be done before serving the chowder?
Remove the bay leaf and taste the chowder to see if any seasoning adjustments are needed.
How should the chowder be served to guests?
It should be served hot, ideally with a drizzle of spicy pepper sherry or brandy.
What specific brand of spicy sherry is suggested for serving?
Busha Browne's spicy & hot pepper sherry wine is recommended to enhance the fiery flavor.
What is the primary cooking oil used?
One teaspoon of olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables.
How much cayenne pepper is used in the spice mix?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Is this chowder considered a spicy dish?
Yes, it is tagged as spicy and includes cayenne pepper and hot pepper sherry.
What is the total number of ingredients used in this recipe?
There are 21 ingredients used in this Savory Bahamian Conch Chowder.
What tags describe the category of this recipe?
Tags include bahamian, conch, chowder, seafood, hearty, comfort food, island cuisine, and soups.
What is the preparation method for the conch?
The conch should be tenderized and ground.
What is the consistency of the final dish?
It is described as a hearty and satisfying chowder, which is typically thick and chunky.
Can I use brandy instead of pepper sherry?
Yes, the recipe suggests brandy as an alternative drizzle to enhance the flavor.
How many cans of tomatoes are used?
Two 14.5 ounce cans of chopped tomatoes are required.