Coconut Fish Chowder with Sweet Potatoes, Chickpeas and Lime
I’ve riffed off of the flavors of tom kha gai— the traditional and iconic Thai chicken coconut soup— for this recipe. What I wanted to capture is that symphony of creaminess from the coconut, the heat of chile, the freshness from the cilantro, the zing of the lime and the protein that’s tender and juicy. I’ve swapped in sweet potato for some sweetness along with chickpeas for a toothsome bite and instead of chicken I’ve used cod (though any firm white fish will do)— the tender flaky fish poaches in the soup within minutes. This is a great year-round soup to make since it comes together so quickly but also since its both richly flavorsome and light. One note— once you add the coconut milk keep your flame to medium low— it will split if the heat is too high.
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small Thai or Serrano chile, de-seeded and thinly sliced (optional)
½” piece of ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cups seafood stock
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into ½” pieces (approximately 2 cups)
1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
1 lb. skinless cod fillets, cut into 2” pieces
Lime wedges, for serving
Cilantro leaves, for garnish
Scallion, thinly sliced, for garnish
Basil leaves, for garnish
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
METHOD
Heat butter over medium heat in a large saucepan with straight sides or a medium Dutch oven. Add onion, garlic, ginger, chile if using, salt and pepper and sauté until soft, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add stock, sweet potato and chickpeas and simmer until sweet potatoes are almost al dente— 6-7 minutes.
Lower heat to medium low and add coconut milk. Carefully place cod pieces in pan taking care not to stir (the fish will naturally break up into pieces when cooked). Lower heat to low, cover and simmer until fish is cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes.
To serve, ladle into bowls, garnish with cilantro, scallion and basil and serve immediately with lime wedges alongside.