Chowder(Winning Recipe)
A hearty and flavorful clam chowder featuring tender clams, smoky bacon, aromatic vegetables, and creamy broth. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings and seafood lovers, offering a rich blend of flavors with a hint of spice from Worcestershire and Tabasco, making it a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 c. chopped clams ⓘ
- 4 slices bacon ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped small
- 3 Tbsp. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 3 ribs celery, diced fine ⓘ
- 2 carrots, diced fine ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 5 medium potatoes, peeled and minced ⓘ
- 2 c. clam juice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 6 drops Tabasco ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 c. half and half cream ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute bacon until crisp; drain and crumble, setting aside the bacon and saving the fat.
- In the bacon fat, sauté onions, green pepper, celery, carrots, and garlic until tender.
- Boil potatoes in salted water until cooked.
- Combine the cooked vegetables and potatoes in a mixing bowl.
- Add seasonings (salt, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, pepper) and beat in a mixer until creamy, but do not overbeat to prevent it from becoming too smooth and thick.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the chowder before mixing it back in. If fresh clams are not available, canned clams work as a substitute. Consider using smoked bacon for an added depth of flavor. Adjust the amount of Tabasco based on your heat preference, and adding a splash of white wine can enhance the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of Spinach Salad And Dressing for a refreshing contrast. Consider topping each bowl with extra crumbled bacon for added crunch and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from curdling. Avoid boiling the chowder, as this can change the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chowder(Winning Recipe) contains roughly 702 calories, with 20g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (277% of the Daily Value), iron (98% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1461mg per serving (64% 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 make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, this chowder can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors often improve overnight. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving to maintain the creamy texture.
What can I use instead of clams?
If you're not a fan of clams, you can substitute them with diced shrimp or even crab meat for a different seafood twist. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, use mushrooms to provide a similar umami flavor.
How do I thicken my chowder if it's too thin?
To thicken your chowder, you can mix a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) into the hot chowder and stir until it thickens. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes in the chowder for a creamier consistency.
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).