Daniel Webster's Chowder Recipe

Daniel Webster's Chowder Recipe

History:
Daniel Webster's Chowder is a classic New England dish that dates back to the 1800s. It is named after Daniel Webster, an American statesman and lawyer who was known for his love of good food. Webster was a frequent visitor to the coastal areas of New England, where he enjoyed the local seafood, including cod and oysters. The recipe for his chowder has been passed down through generations and has become a beloved dish in the region.

Fun Facts:
1. Daniel Webster's Chowder is often referred to as "The Great American Chowder" due to its rich flavors and hearty ingredients.
2. Chowder was originally a fishermen's dish, made with whatever ingredients were readily available at sea. Webster's chowder was a luxurious version, featuring cod and oysters.
3. The use of sea biscuit (also known as hardtack) in the chowder was a way to thicken the broth and stretch the ingredients.
4. The addition of thyme, summer savory, mushroom catsup, nutmeg, cloves, mace, allspice, and lemon slices adds a depth of flavor to the chowder.
5. The use of a deep iron pot for cooking the chowder helps to distribute the heat evenly and allows for slow, simmering cooking, which enhances the flavors.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for Daniel Webster's Chowder:

Ingredients:
- 4 slices of pork
- 4 tablespoonfuls of sliced onions
- 6 pounds of cod, sliced
- 1 quart of boiled mashed potatoes
- 1.5 pounds of broken sea biscuit
- 50 oysters
- 1 teaspoonful of thyme
- 1 teaspoonful of summer savory
- 1/2 bottle of mushroom catsup
- 1 bottle of port or claret
- 1/2 a nutmeg
- 1 dozen cloves
- A little mace and allspice
- 1/2 a lemon, sliced
- Pepper and salt to taste
- Water (enough to cover ingredients by one inch)

Instructions:
1. In a deep iron pot, fry the slices of pork until they turn a light brown.
2. Add the sliced onions to the pot and continue frying until they are caramelized.
3. Add the sliced cod to the pot, along with the boiled mashed potatoes and broken sea biscuit.
4. Add the oysters, thyme, summer savory, mushroom catsup, port or claret, nutmeg, cloves, mace, allspice, lemon slices, pepper, and salt.
5. Pour enough water into the pot to cover the ingredients by one inch.
6. Place the pot on the stove and cook the chowder slowly over low heat until it is done. This will take around 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the fish to become tender.
7. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Serve the Daniel Webster's Chowder hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill, and with crusty bread on the side.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
1. New England Clam Chowder: A creamy chowder made with clams, potatoes, onions, and bacon. It is a popular variation of Daniel Webster's Chowder, with the substitution of clams for cod and oysters.
2. Manhattan Clam Chowder: A tomato-based chowder made with clams, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, and other vegetables. It has a tangy and slightly spicy flavor, unlike the creamy New England version.
3. Corn Chowder: A hearty soup made with corn, potatoes, onions, and sometimes bacon or ham. It is a vegetarian-friendly option that can be enjoyed in both creamy and broth-based versions.

These chowder recipes showcase the diverse flavors and ingredients that can be used in this beloved dish, making it a versatile and comforting meal for any occasion. Enjoy!