Cod and corn chowder is the ultimate comfort food for cold winter days, where saffron and lemon provide another flavor dimension to complete your palate. With a warm slice of homemade bread, this dish is hard to beat.
Gather all the ingredients. Cut the leeks in half lengthwise and slice them to about ¼ thick.
Cook bacon until crisp on both sides. Place on the kitchen towel to soak up excess fat. Crumble when cooled.
On low to medium heat, saute the onion, celery, lemon thyme, saffron, and red pepper flakes in butter and olive oil for about 5 minutes - Note 1.
Add the potatoes, sweet corn, carrots, and leeks to the pot. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat.
Add the flour, cook for about 1 minute, and season with salt and black pepper.
When the flour starts to coat the bottom of the pan add some fish stock and scrape the pot.Add the creme fraiche, milk, and fish stock. Cook until the potatoes are almost cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
Add the cod and cook on a low simmer until the cod is cooked for about 3 minutes.
Ladle the chowder into bowls and add the garnish as per your preference.
NOTES
The goal is to sweat the onion and celery and the herbs and spices to release the flavors slowly. Take care not to burn any of the ingredients.