Clam Chowder(Serves 6 Generously)
Creamy clam chowder features tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and briny clams, offering a hearty, comforting dish perfect for cozy gatherings and seafood lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 4 strips bacon, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz.) cans whole baby clams plus liquid
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 2 cups diced potatoes ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Lea & Perrins sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup 18% cream ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Add chopped bacon, onion, celery, green pepper, and minced garlic to a large pot and sauté gently for 5 minutes.
- Add the bay leaf, clam liquid, water, diced potatoes, Lea & Perrins sauce, salt, and pepper; simmer until potatoes are barely tender.
- Combine oil and flour in a separate container and stir into the chowder until it thickens.
- Add the clams, cream, and milk to the chowder and bring to a boil.
- Remove the bay leaf if you can find it before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of regular. You can substitute the baby clams with fresh clams if available, adjusting cooking time accordingly. If you prefer a thicker chowder, increase the flour slightly. Adding a splash of white wine can also enhance the dish. For a lighter version, swap cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the clam chowder with crusty bread or crackers for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Grilled Potato Packets for a complete meal. For a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or chives. A side salad can also complement this hearty dish well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover clam chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens too much, add a little milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Clam Chowder(Serves 6 Generously) contains roughly 318 calories, with 5g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value) and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1367mg per serving (59% 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 instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen clams, but be sure to thaw them before adding to the chowder. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they are heated through. Fresh clams will require a bit more time to cook properly, so keep an eye on them.
How can I make this chowder gluten-free?
To make the chowder gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Ensure that your bacon and any other ingredients are also gluten-free, as some processed foods may contain gluten.
What can I add to make it more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning or a splash of hot sauce for some heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can also elevate the taste. Consider stirring in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth.
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).