Home Mains Caribbean-Inspired Conch Chowder
A vibrant bowl of Caribbean-Inspired Conch Chowder, featuring tender conch pieces, colorful vegetables, and a rich coconut milk-based broth, garnished with fresh cilantro and diced onion.
1 hour 30 minutes Easy

Caribbean-Inspired Conch Chowder

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Caribbean-Inspired Conch Chowder is a rich and delicious dish that captures the lively spirit of Caribbean cooking. Featuring tender marinated conch meat, fresh vegetables, fragrant spices, and creamy coconut milk, this chowder is a blend of tropical flavors. Every spoonful takes you to the sunlit shores of the Caribbean, providing warmth, comfort, and a hint of island magic spoonful.

Conch meat, the star ingredient, is a prized delicacy in Caribbean cuisine, known for its tender texture and mild sweetness. In this recipe, the conch undergoes marination in lime juice prior to cooking. This step not only tenderizes the meat but also adds a zesty brightness that elevates the chowder’s rich flavors. When paired with a mix of vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, and bell peppers, this chowder strikes an ideal balance between sweetness and earthiness spice.

The seasoning blend is what makes this dish truly shine. Cumin, turmeric, chili powder, paprika, and cinnamon bring depth and complexity, while a touch of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat. These bold flavors are balanced by the creaminess of coconut milk, creating a luscious base for the chowder. The addition of seafood broth enhances the briny undertones of the conch, making each bite rich and satisfying. To finish, a splash of fresh lime juice brightens the dish, tying together all the flavors beautifully.

This dish, served atop fluffy couscous, turns into a satisfying, hearty meal ideal for lunch or dinner. The couscous soaks up the spiced broth, bringing an added depth of texture and flavor. Garnishing with fresh cilantro and diced onion not only enhances the dish’s appearance but also contributes a refreshing crunch to every bite bowl.

This dish is considered “Caribbean-inspired” because of its strong ties to the region’s lively and aromatic flavor profiles, as well as its use of ingredients that reflect the intricacies of jerk seasoning, a cornerstone of Caribbean cooking. Renowned for its spicy and fragrant mix, jerk seasoning contains a medley of spices, including thyme, allspice, paprika, cumin, and cayenne, many of which are incorporated into this chowder. These spices bring warmth and depth to the dish, capturing the vibrant, multilayered flavors essential to Caribbean cuisine. Although this isn’t a traditional jerk dish, the blend of spices pays homage to its roots, balancing heat, earthiness, and a hint of sweetness. Conch, a staple in Caribbean dishes, provides an authentic coastal flavor, celebrated in various regional specialties like conch fritters, salads, and stews. Paired with creamy coconut milk and brightened by fresh lime juice, this chowder embodies the spirit of Caribbean cooking: a tribute to bold flavors, cultural richness, and the sea’s bounty.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves exploring tropical recipes or wants to bring a taste of the Caribbean into their home cooking.  If you’ve ever traveled to the Caribbean or dreamed of doing so, this chowder is a wonderful way to capture that experience. It brings to mind images of turquoise waters, soft white sand, and the aroma of local spices wafting through the air. Its flavors are bold and comforting, yet it’s incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for both experienced cooks and beginners alike.


SUGGESTED RECIPE: Creamy Corn Clam Chowder

A bowl of creamy corn clam chowder garnished with fresh thyme and grated Parmesan, showcasing the rich, velvety texture and vibrant pops of sweet corn and tender clams.

This chowder is delicious and nourishing. Packed with vegetables, seafood, and wholesome spices, it offers a healthy and satisfying option for those who love hearty soups and stews. The addition of sweet potatoes and coconut milk gives the chowder a subtle sweetness, while the blend of spices keeps it exciting and dynamic.

For those looking to elevate their seafood recipes or expand their repertoire of dishes, Caribbean-Inspired Conch Chowder is an excellent choice. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, making it perfect for any occasion. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of paprika, and a wedge of lime for a vibrant, restaurant-worthy presentation.

This recipe embodies the Caribbean flavors, making it a must-try for food lovers everywhere. Whether you’re reminiscing about a tropical getaway or looking to create one in your kitchen, this chowder offers a taste of paradise in every bite.

Caribbean-Style Conch Chowder

Recipe by Kyle Taylor
5.0 from 1 vote
Course: MainsCuisine: CaribbeanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 

10

minutes
Total time

1

hour 

30

minutes

Caribbean-Inspired Conch Chowder combines tender conch meat with a vibrant blend of spices, creamy coconut milk, and fresh lime juice for a hearty, flavorful dish. This comforting chowder is a tribute to the bold and aromatic flavors of Caribbean cuisine, perfect for bringing a taste of the islands to your table.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound conch meat, cleaned and chopped

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced

  • 1 large green bell pepper, diced

  • 2 stalks of celery, chopped

  • 1 large carrot, chopped

  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced

  • 1 can (28 ounces) San Marzano tomatoes, diced

  • 4 cups seafood broth

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 cup coconut milk

  • 2 limes, juiced

  • to taste, salt and ground black pepper

  • for serving, cooked couscous

  • for garnish, fresh cilantro

  • for garnish, diced onion

  • for garnish, paprika

Directions

  • Marinate the Conch:
    Clean and tenderize the conch meat by gently pounding it with a meat mallet. Chop it into bite-sized pieces. Place the conch in a bowl and toss with the juice of 1 lime. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  • Sauté the Aromatics:
    Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, red and green bell peppers, celery, carrot, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  • Add the Sweet Potato and Spices:
    Stir in the sweet potato, dried thyme, chili powder, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and the bay leaf. Cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the spices.
  • Simmer the Base:
    Add the tomatoes and seafood broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for 40-45 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
  • Add the Marinated Conch and Coconut Milk:
    Drain the conch meat from the lime marinade and add it to the pot along with the coconut milk. Simmer for 15 minutes. Avoid overcooking the conch as it can become tough.
  • Finish with Lime and Seasoning:
    Add the juice of 1 lime and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  • Serve:
    Spoon the chowder over a bed of cooked couscous in bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and diced onion for a fresh burst of flavor. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

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