Dad'S Clam Chowder
A hearty and comforting clam chowder with smoky bacon, tender vegetables, and savory clams, perfect for cozy gatherings and seafood lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 2 (7 1/2 oz.) cans minced clams ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. bacon drippings
- 2 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 4 medium potatoes, diced ⓘ
- 8 c. boiling water ⓘ
- 2 (No. 2) cans whole tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 4 c. minced carrots ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, minced ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1/2 tsp. caraway seed ⓘ
Instructions
- In a kettle, fry bacon; remove bacon pieces and reserve.
- Cook onions in bacon drippings until straw colored.
- Add diced potatoes, boiling water, whole tomatoes, minced celery, carrots, green pepper, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.
- Add caraway seed, minced clams, and clam liquid; simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve in a hot tureen and sprinkle the top with bits of crisp bacon.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a dash of hot sauce. If fresh clams are available, they can be used instead of canned for a fresher taste. You can substitute the tomatoes with tomato paste for a thicker chowder. Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand, like adding corn for sweetness or using different bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the clam chowder with crusty bread or crackers for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top adds a nice color and freshness. This dish also pairs beautifully with Wendy'S Scallop-Bacon Wrap for a delightful meal. Consider a simple side salad to lighten the meal and add some crunch.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the chowder cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency, as it may thicken upon cooling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Clam Chowder contains roughly 2270 calories, with 117g protein, 367g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (821% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (716% of the Daily Value), and protein (234% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 495mg per serving (22% 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?
Absolutely! If using fresh clams, steam them open and reserve the liquid, adding it to the chowder. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh clams will require less cooking than the canned variety. This will enhance the chowder's flavor significantly.
Is it possible to make this chowder vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon drippings and replacing the clams with mushrooms for a similar texture. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add more vegetables to enhance the flavor. This version will still be hearty and delicious.
How can I make this chowder creamier?
To achieve a creamier chowder, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking. Alternatively, you can mash some of the diced potatoes to thicken the soup naturally, making it rich without additional dairy.
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).