Seafood Corn Chowder Base Recipe

Directions:

1. Place a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the andouille and 2 tablespoons of the oil. Cook, stirring, until the andouille is browned and has rendered its fat, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring often, until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Add the remaining oil, bell peppers, and corn to the pot and cook for 10 minutes, stirring often.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables in the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
6. Add the chicken stock to the pot and stir to combine. Add the potatoes, cajun spice, salt, cayenne, and thyme to the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and continue to cook for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are very tender.
7. Add the crawfish and heavy cream, if using, stir to combine, and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, just until seafood is heated through. Stir in the chives, taste, and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Serve in soup bowls, garnished with the parsley.