Awendaw Seafood Chowder
Awendaw Seafood Chowder is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender clams, shrimp, and vegetables in a savory tomato-based broth, perfect for seafood lovers. Suitable for cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 cups peeled and diced potatoes ⓘ
- 1 large green bell pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 large onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 28 oz can tomatoes or 10 small fresh tomatoes ⓘ
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste ⓘ
- 3 large carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 2 pounds shelled clams, chopped and drained ⓘ
- 1 pound peeled, cleaned and deveined shrimp ⓘ
- 1 small lemon, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil and brown the potatoes, green bell pepper, onion, garlic, and celery over medium heat.
- Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, water, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and sliced carrots; simmer over low heat until the carrots are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Add the chopped and drained clams, peeled shrimp, lemon slices, and chopped parsley; cook until the clams and shrimp are cooked through, about 15 minutes.
- Serve hot in cups or bowls.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a dash of hot sauce. If you’re short on time, frozen vegetables can be a great substitute for fresh ones, such as the green bell pepper and carrots. You can also use frozen shrimp if fresh is unavailable, but be sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the chowder.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. It pairs beautifully with Cracker Niblies for a crunchy contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Awendaw Seafood Chowder contains roughly 593 calories, with 14g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (104% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (66% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1548mg per serving (67% 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 different types of seafood in this chowder?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the clams and shrimp with other seafood like scallops or crab. Just ensure that the seafood is cooked properly and adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different types may require different cooking durations.
Is this chowder suitable for freezing?
Chowder can be frozen, but be aware that the texture of the seafood may change upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the seafood and adding it fresh when you reheat the chowder. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What can I do if my chowder is too thick?
If your chowder turns out too thick, simply stir in some additional broth or water until you reach the desired consistency. You can also add a splash of milk or cream for a richer texture. Adjust the seasonings as needed after adding more liquid.
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).