"Ala" Clam Chowder
A creamy, savory clam chowder with peas, potatoes, and herbs, perfect for comforting meals. Rich flavors suit seafood lovers and those seeking hearty, flavorful soups.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the clams and reserve the liquid.
- Cook the chopped celery and minced onion in butter until tender.
- Stir in frozen peas and potatoes, cream of chicken soup, water, milk, clam liquid, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook and stir until the mixture bubbles.
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the clams and heat until the soup reaches a boil.
- Garnish with paprika before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing some garlic along with the celery and onion. You can substitute the frozen peas and potatoes with fresh vegetables if desired, or use a different cream soup like cream of mushroom for a twist. If you prefer a thicker chowder, add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water before simmering.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika for color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a comforting touch, consider serving alongside Holly'S Spinach Balls for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to maintain the creamy consistency. Avoid boiling the chowder to prevent curdling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Ala" Clam Chowder contains roughly 629 calories, with 14g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (213% of the Daily Value), iron (108% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 893mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh clams instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh clams. Just ensure they are cleaned and cooked properly before adding them to the chowder. Fresh clams will provide a more robust flavor but require additional preparation time.
Is it possible to make this chowder dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut milk or a plant-based cream for the creamy texture. Ensure your butter substitute is also dairy-free.
How can I make this chowder spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also serve the chowder with hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicier.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).