Bart'S Clam Chowder
A hearty and flavorful clam chowder with fresh vegetables, bacon, and tender clams, perfect for comfort food lovers and seafood enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put water in a large pot.
- Add onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, parsley, and tomatoes to the water.
- Fry bacon until browned; add to the water mixture with the drippings.
- Add minced clams, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for 1 hour or more.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using homemade broth instead of water. If you want to reduce sodium, use low-sodium clams and bacon. You can substitute fresh clams for canned if available, but ensure they are properly cleaned and cooked. Adding a splash of white wine while cooking can enhance the flavors. If desired, incorporate a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Bart's Clam Chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with Daddy'S Buttermilk Corn Bread for a comforting meal. Consider a side salad or crusty bread to complement the chowder. A light white wine can also enhance the dining experience.
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 broth if the chowder thickens too much. Avoid boiling, as this may alter the texture of the clams.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bart'S Clam Chowder contains roughly 3884 calories, with 66g protein, 540g carbohydrates, and 171g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (226% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (172% of the Daily Value), and protein (133% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2323mg per serving (101% 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. Add them towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this chowder thicker?
To thicken the chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes before adding the clams, or mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the pot while cooking. Alternatively, simmering for a longer time can also help reduce the liquid.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
While you can freeze clam chowder, it's best to freeze it without the clams. They can become tough when reheated. Instead, freeze the base of the soup, then add clams when reheating for the best texture.
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).