Bill'S Clam Chowder
A hearty and creamy clam chowder featuring tender clams, potatoes, and vegetables, perfect for cozy meals and seafood lovers looking for rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the diced celery, cubed potatoes, diced onion, and shredded carrots in boiling water for about 30 minutes or until soft.
- Add the fresh clams with their juice to the pot.
- Cook the fresh clams for 8 to 10 minutes until they open.
- Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper to taste, and heat through before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or using half-and-half instead of milk. If fresh clams are not available, you can substitute with additional canned clams. To enhance the flavor, try adding a bay leaf while boiling the vegetables or incorporate a dash of hot sauce for some heat. This chowder is a great base for variations like adding corn or using different seafood.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the clam chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside Baked Or Stuffed Tomatoes as a refreshing contrast. A crisp white wine or a light beer can complement the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover clam 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 more milk if the chowder seems too thick. Avoid boiling, as this can make the clams tough. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bill'S Clam Chowder contains roughly 2488 calories, with 66g protein, 508g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (478% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2400mg per serving (104% 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 frozen clams for this chowder?
Yes, you can use frozen clams; just be sure to thaw them completely before adding to the chowder. Keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly, but they will still add great flavor to your dish.
How do I know when the fresh clams are cooked?
The fresh clams are cooked when their shells open during the cooking process. Discard any clams that remain closed after cooking, as they are not safe to eat. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes once added to the pot.
Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chowder in advance. However, it's best to add the clams and milk just before serving, as this keeps the texture and flavor fresh. You can prepare the vegetable base a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
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).