- 3 pounds unpeeled shrimp 26/30
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 12 ounces slab bacon cut into lardons
- 2 leeks white and light green parts only, rinsed and sliced crosswise
- 2 large russet potatoes scrubbed and diced into 2'' cubes
- 6 plum tomatoes roughly chopped
- 14.5 ounce can of creamed corn
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- Cayenne pepper to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Minced chives for serving optional
Prepare Shrimp Stock:
Heat the butter in a large stock pot. Once frothy, add the shrimp shells. Cook for 5 minutes, mashing gently with your spoon every so often. Add 8 cups of water. Bring to a low boil and then simmer for 15 minutes. Drain and reserve the stock. Discard the shrimp shells.
Start the Chowder:
Wipe out the stockpot and return to the heat. Add the bacon and cook over medium-high until crispy, turning every so often; about 7-8 minutes.
Add the chopped leeks and cook until softened about 7-10 minutes. Add the potatoes, tomatoes, and creamed corn and stir to combine. Pour in the reserved stock and bring to a boil. Lower heat, season with pepper, celery salt, and a touch of cayenne pepper to taste. Reduce heat and simmer the soup for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Finish the Shrimp Chowder:
Calories: 434kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 24g | Sodium: 1666mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 17mg