Irish Fish Chowder

Having access to unlimited fresh seafood was one reason I was so excited for when we moved to Seattle; Aaron and I both love seafood so much! I have quite a few recipes in line to post on the blog, so if you love seafood as well keep checking up for some of our favorite seafood recipes.

In other news, our neighbor was giving away his grill for free, so some of those recipes will be grilled :)

I've been reading the book 100 Healthiest Foods for Pregnancy and have learned a lot about the benefits of fish. In fact, the author asked a fellow nutritionist this question: "If you could wave your hands and make one single dietary change that would benefit the world the most, what would it be?" And this was his reply,

"I'd put every pregnant woman on fish oil supplements."

Studies have found that the DHA in fish oil is greatly beneficial for the baby's developing brain, and it is linked to higher cognitive abilities in toddlers. It is especially important during the last trimester of pregnancy as your baby's brain is growing (60% of their brain is fat).

It is recommended that pregnant women get 300 mg of DHA per day, or 2-4 servings of fish per week.

Personally, I prefer to get the 300 mg per day by eating fresh, wild fish and taking a fish oil supplement. I only take a portion of the supplement and eat about 2 servings of fish per week.

Not all seafood is created equal. In general, wild is best. Farmed fish are fed grains and other foods that are not part of their natural diet. However, if you can't find or afford wild, farmed is better than nothing.

Also, some seafood can be high in mercury, so refer to this list by the Mayo clinic when choosing seafood while pregnant. 

• Shrimp
• Crab
• Salmon
• Pollock
• Catfish
• Cod
• Tilapia
• Sardines

Canned light tuna is another good choice — but limit albacore tuna, chunk white tuna and tuna steak to no more than 6 ounces, or 170 grams, a week. Source

Here is one recipe that Aaron and I are currently obsessed with. Don't forget the smoked salmon, it's what really makes the recipe delicious!

Irish Fish Chowder

Extra virgin olive oil

6 oz bacon, diced (optional)

3/4 cup celery, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

3/4 lb Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces

4 cups chicken stock

3 cups milk

1 lb skinless mixed fish fillets, such as salmon, haddock, or cod, cut into chunks

6 oz smoked fish, cut into chunks

2 tbsp chopped chives and parsley

In large stockpot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add bacon and fry 4-5 minutes until fat renders and the bacon is crispy and golden brown.

Add onion season lightly with salt and pepper, and saute for 5 minutes. Add potatoes, stock, and milk and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 3 minutes, or until potatoes are cooked halfway.

Stir is fresh and smoked fish and simmer another 3 to 4 minutes until the fresh fish is just cook through and the potatoes are tender. Season with salt and pepper and stir in chopped herbs. Serves 4-5. 

Note: smoked seafood is okay for pregnant women to consume only if it is cooked in a dish, such as this chowder. Otherwise, it is not recommended that pregnant women eat smoked fish because of the risk of listeria.

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