Clam chowder is a comforting and savory dish that’s easy to make. It’s also high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, per Healthline.
It’s one of my favorite soups of all time and if you really want to test out the validity of the place you are dining… order the Clam Chowder and you will know exactly how the good the restaurant is!
Clam chowder in its most classic iteration, is a thick and creamy base of milk or cream, potatoes, corn, onions, and bacon or salt pork. Manhattan-style clam chowder is tomato-based and uses a similar combination of ingredients.
It’s Easy to Make
Make chowder as intended by following this rich, creamy, comforting seafood soup recipe. With time and ingredients, clam chowder is easy to make at home. It is also very satisfying and can serve as a main meal or even a light appetizer for dinner.
You can use a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices to customize your chowder. For example, some recipes call for leeks instead of onions and use thyme or chives for a more floral flavor. Others include a hint of wine to add a touch of tanginess. You can also use smoked bacon for a smoky flavor or omit it to keep the dish more traditional.
To start making your chowder, drain the clams and save the juice. Then, place the clams and juice into a stockpot. Next, dice the potatoes and carrots and add them to the pot with the clams. Cook the vegetables for several minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
When the veggies are tender, stir in the milk and bring the chowder to a simmer. Then, stir in the half-and-half and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want your chowder thicker, use a cornstarch slurry to thicken it. When the chowder is ready, please remove it from the heat and stir in the parsley to garnish.
It’s Delicious
Clam Chowder is creamy and flavorful. It is also hearty and filling, which makes it perfect for cold winter days. There are many different recipes for clam chowder, but most contain some combination of potatoes, onion, celery, salt and pepper, thyme, a bay leaf, and of course, clams. Some also include bacon, which adds a delicious smoky flavor.
While lighter than others, the best clam chowder dish still has that mouthwatering smokey bacon flavor. It’s also made with a few other veggies and has a hint of wine.
The bacon should be diced and placed in a big pot or oven. Cook the bacon until it is crisp over medium-high heat, being careful not to burn it. Transfer the bacon to a plate with a slotted spoon while keeping the drippings in the saucepan.
Stir the butter into the pot’s drippings until it melts. After that, add the celery and onions and sauté them until they are soft. A roux will be made as the flour is added and mixed, thickening the chowder as it simmers.
Add the milk and boil while stirring continuously. Salt and pepper the potatoes after adding them.
Simmer for about 15 minutes. Finally, add the clams and stir in. Cook until the clams open, and then remove them from the pot. Serve the chowder with oyster crackers or bread bowls.
It’s Healthy
Canned clams, turkey bacon, and olive oil help make this soup healthier. You can also choose to use light cream rather than whole milk, which has a higher fat content. You can also add a bit of cornstarch to thicken the soup if you prefer it to be thicker. This will add flavor and consistency without adding too much fat to the dish.
Choosing the best vegetables will also improve your chowder’s health. Some excellent options include celery, carrots, leeks, and fennel. These vegetables are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are a healthy option for people with high blood pressure because they are also low in calories and sodium.
You can even swap out the onions and celery for other vegetables to make a healthy version of this dish. Carrots and beets are excellent choices, as they have a lower calorie count and a sweeter taste. You can add a few minced garlic cloves for a touch of spice.
You can also cook the onions and celery in butter to add flavor to your dish. You can use a butter substitute such as avocado or canola oil. It would help if you also tried to reduce the salt you use. You can also replace it with a pinch of sea salt or pepper or a little white sugar to give the dish a hint of sweetness.
It’s Easy to Reheat
Reheating clam chowder is easy, especially in the microwave. Just place the chowder in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for one minute, stirring after every 30 seconds to ensure even cooking and prevent scorching. You can also heat the chowder on the stove over low-medium heat until it is hot. Once reheated, serve immediately with oyster crackers or crusty bread.
Clam chowder is best when made from scratch, but store-bought cans are an acceptable alternative if you’re in a pinch. If you want to make a homemade version, start by prepping the vegetables. This will only take about 5 minutes, but it’s worth the effort. To save time, you can use frozen or canned clams, but try to choose ones packed in water, not broth. Fresh clams will have a distinct flavor and are generally healthier than canned.
Next, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until it is crispy but not burnt. The bacon should be taken out of the pot and left to drain on some paper towels. Melt the butter in the same pan, then whisk in the flour until combined. Add the milk gradually while whisking continually to avoid lumps. Add the tomatoes, clam juice, and salt and pepper to taste last.
Serve warm soup bowls right away. If preferred, garnish with a bit of chopped cooked bacon and parsley. For added heat, you can also mix in a few dashes of red pepper flakes or some fried croutons that have been crumbled.