Stovetop Dungeness Crab, Leek & Yukon Gold Chowder with Dill
A WA-coast spin on chowder: sweet crab in a silky potato-leek base, finished with a little dill and black pepper. Feels luxurious, but it’s a one-pot stovetop dinner under an hour.
Back to full listIngredients
- Whole Cooked Dungeness Crab 1 lb (pick ~6–8 oz meat for 2 servings) $15.99 (1 lb)
- Organic Leeks (bunch) 2 medium leeks, white/light green only, thinly sliced $3.99/lb
- Organic Yukon Gold Potatoes 3/4 lb (about 2 medium), peeled and 1/2-inch diced $3.99 (3 lb)
- Sleeved Celery 1 stalk, small dice $1.79 (1 lb)
- Simple Truth Organic® Baby Dill 2 tbsp chopped (or to taste) $2.49
Instructions
- Prep the leeks: slice 2 leeks (white/light green) thinly, then rinse well in a bowl of cold water to remove grit. Lift out and drain.
- Pick the crab: crack and pick the 1 lb whole cooked Dungeness crab to get about 6–8 oz meat. Keep chilled; check for shell fragments.
- Cook the base: in a pot over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter (or 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil). Add the sliced leeks plus 1 diced celery stalk and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook 6–8 minutes until soft and sweet (no browning).
- Add potatoes: stir in 3/4 lb diced Yukon Gold potatoes. Add 2 cups chicken broth (or seafood/veg broth) and 1 bay leaf (optional). Bring to a simmer and cook 12–15 minutes until potatoes are very tender.
- Make it creamy: reduce heat to low. Mash a few potato chunks against the side of the pot to thicken. Stir in 1 cup half-and-half (or milk) and warm gently—don’t boil.
- Add crab gently: fold in the crab meat and warm 1–2 minutes. Season with black pepper, a little lemon juice (1–2 tsp), and salt to taste.
- Finish: stir in 2 tbsp chopped dill right before serving.
- Serve: ladle into bowls. Optional: toast bread or warm rolls on the side if you have them.
Health notes: ~600–750 kcal per serving. Healthiness: **Moderate**—balanced protein + starch; use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for lighter.
Drink pairing: Creamy chowder + crab = choose freshness and lift: - **Chenin Blanc (dry)** or **Pinot Gris** for pear/citrus notes. - Local WA pick: **Columbia Valley Pinot Gris** (try **A to Z** is OR; for WA look for **Chateau Ste. Michelle Pinot Gris**).