Ingredients

  • 1 pound salt cod, soaked (see notes)
  • 1 pound fresh cod fillet, skin removed
  • 1 pound halibut fillet, skin removed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 pound fresh pork fat back
  • 2 cups peeled, diced potatoes
  • Freshly milled black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Method

  • Cut all of the fish into 1 1/2-inch cubes.
  • Cover and refrigerate.
  • In a soup kettle, melt the butter over moderate heat.
  • Add the onions and saute until translucent, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the heavy cream, milk, and thyme and reduce the heat to low.
  • Simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, dice the fat back and cook over moderate heat until rendered golden brown.
  • Drain on paper towels and set aside on a warm part of the stove.
  • Add the potatoes to the chowder and simmer until the potatoes are almost fork-tender.
  • Add the fish and simmer for about 10 minutes, until just cooked through.
  • Season to taste with pepper.
  • Serve the rendered pork on the side and let each guest sprinkle some over the chowder.