Clam Chowder(Soup)
A hearty clam chowder with tender potatoes, savory herbs, and tender clams, perfect for comforting meals and seafood lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced pepper
- 2 cups diced potatoes ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 small cans tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground sage leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper ⓘ
- less than 1/16 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons oleo or butter ⓘ
- 2 cups boiling water ⓘ
- 2 to 3 (7 oz.) cans minced clams with liquid ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion, celery, and green pepper in oleo or butter.
- Add diced potatoes, boiling water, and salt; cover and cook until potatoes are tender.
- Add remaining ingredients including minced clams with liquid and optional diced carrots.
- Heat to boiling point and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or using vegetable broth instead of water. Substitute fresh clams for canned if available, but adjust cooking time accordingly. If you prefer a creamier chowder, add a splash of heavy cream or a non-dairy alternative. For added texture, toss in some diced carrots or corn. This chowder pairs beautifully with American recipes like Mimi'S Christmas Wreaths.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley or croutons for added crunch. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For an extra touch, consider a side of Peach Almond Jam on toasted baguette slices to complement the savory flavors of the chowder.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover clam chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling as it may affect the texture of the clams. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Clam Chowder(Soup) contains roughly 812 calories, with 23g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (219% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (160% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1979mg per serving (86% 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 clam chowder without clams?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the clams and use vegetable broth. You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for depth of flavor. This variation allows you to enjoy the creamy texture and spices without seafood.
What can I use instead of oleo or butter?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, substitute with olive oil, coconut oil, or a vegan butter alternative. Each will provide a different flavor profile but will still work well in sautéing the vegetables.
How can I thicken my clam chowder?
To thicken your chowder, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes and stir them back into the soup. Alternatively, use a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with a little cold water and adding it to the chowder while simmering.
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).