Alice'S New England Clam Chowder
Alice's New England Clam Chowder is a hearty, creamy soup featuring tender clams, smoky bacon, and tender potatoes. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it perfect for chilly days or a satisfying meal, showcasing classic New England culinary tradition with depth and warmth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the canned clams and reserve the clam liquid.
- Add water to the clam liquid to make 2 cups.
- Fry the diced bacon or salt pork until crisp.
- Remove the bacon or salt pork, crumble, and set aside.
- Saute chopped onions in bacon grease for about 5 minutes.
- Drain the onions and add them to the diced potatoes along with the clam liquid, simmer until thick and the potatoes are tender.
- Use a masher to slightly mash the potatoes to help thicken the chowder.
- Add approximately 2 tablespoons of bacon grease to the chowder.
- Add the canned clams, half and half milk, salt, pepper, and butter to the pot.
- Reheat gently, but do not boil.
- Top with crumbled bacon or salt pork before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine while sautéing the onions. If you're short on clams, canned tuna can be a good substitute, though it will change the flavor profile. Adjust the seasoning based on personal preference, and feel free to add herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this clam chowder with a side of crusty bread or oyster crackers for a complete meal. A light salad with vinaigrette can complement the richness of the chowder. It also pairs beautifully with American recipes like Hamburg Soup for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of water or additional half and half if the chowder thickens too much. Avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Alice'S New England Clam Chowder contains roughly 1898 calories, with 15g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 154g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (209% of the Daily Value), potassium (66% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 962mg per serving (42% 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, fresh clams can be used for a more authentic flavor. You'll need about 1-1.5 pounds of fresh clams. Steam them until they open, reserve the broth, and follow the recipe as usual.
How can I make this chowder gluten-free?
To make the chowder gluten-free, ensure the bacon or salt pork is gluten-free and use a cornstarch slurry to thicken instead of mashing the potatoes. Check the labels on your half and half to confirm it's gluten-free as well.
What can I do if my chowder is too thick?
If your chowder is thicker than desired, gradually stir in additional half and half or clam juice until you reach your preferred consistency. Reheat gently to blend the flavors.
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).