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When the temperature drops and the chill sets in, nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty bowl of seafood chowder. For those following the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), finding delicious and compliant recipes can be challenging. Fortunately, there are many AIP-friendly seafood chowders that are both comforting and nourishing.
What Makes a Seafood Chowder AIP-Friendly?
Traditional seafood chowders often contain ingredients like dairy, grains, and processed thickeners that are not suitable for AIP. An AIP-friendly chowder focuses on whole, unprocessed ingredients that support gut health and reduce inflammation. Common compliant ingredients include coconut milk, arrowroot starch, fresh seafood, and vegetables like carrots, celery, and sweet potatoes.
Key Ingredients for AIP Seafood Chowder
- Fresh seafood (shrimp, scallops, fish fillets)
- Coconut milk or coconut cream
- Vegetables: carrots, celery, sweet potatoes, onions
- Herbs: thyme, bay leaves, parsley
- Arrowroot starch or cassava flour for thickening
- Olive oil or coconut oil
Sample AIP-Friendly Seafood Chowder Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe to make a comforting seafood chowder that aligns with AIP guidelines:
Ingredients
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, white fish)
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 large sweet potato, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced (optional, if tolerated)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until tender. Add the sweet potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf, cooking for another 5 minutes. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until the sweet potatoes are soft, about 10 minutes.
Add the seafood to the pot and cook until just opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the arrowroot mixture to thicken the chowder. Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper if tolerated, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoying Your AIP Seafood Chowder
This warm, creamy chowder is perfect for cold days and provides a nourishing, autoimmune-friendly meal. Pair it with a side of leafy greens or a simple salad for a complete, satisfying dinner. Experiment with different seafood and vegetables to find your favorite combination!