Dad'S Chunky Clam Chowder
A hearty and comforting clam chowder with tender vegetables and flavorful clams, perfect for cozy dinners and seafood lovers seeking a classic, satisfying soup.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the sliced celery and chopped onion; cook until the onion is tender.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the peeled and chopped potatoes and chopped carrots; cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the chopped clams with their juice.
- Season with pepper to taste and heat through.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker chowder, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water before stirring in the clams. You can substitute the butter with olive oil for a healthier option. If you're out of chicken broth, vegetable broth works just as well. This recipe is versatile; feel free to add in some cooked bacon or smoked sausage for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chunky clam chowder with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a delightful texture contrast. It pairs beautifully with Chicken And Broccoli(Low-Fat) for a wholesome meal. For added freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or chives. A light salad on the side can balance the richness of the chowder.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling, as this can change the texture of the clams. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Chunky Clam Chowder contains roughly 869 calories, with 19g protein, 183g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (178% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 788mg per serving (34% 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 steam them until they open, then chop and add them to the chowder. Be sure to reserve the broth from steaming and use it to enhance the flavor of the soup.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn't include any flour or gluten-containing ingredients. Just ensure that the chicken broth you use is labeled gluten-free. You can also check the labels on canned clams to confirm they are gluten-free.
What can I do if my chowder is too salty?
If your chowder is too salty, try adding some diced potatoes which can absorb excess salt. You can also add a splash of cream or milk to mellow the flavors. Taste as you go to achieve your desired balance.
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).