Elegant Clam Chowder
Elegant clam chowder offers a creamy, savory blend of clams, potatoes, and vegetables, perfect for a comforting meal that appeals to seafood lovers and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare and chop the vegetables (onions and celery).
- Place the prepared vegetables in a saucepan.
- Drain the juice from the canned minced clams and pour it over the vegetables in the saucepan.
- Add enough water to barely cover the vegetables and clam juice.
- Simmer, covered, over medium heat until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider using a combination of half and half and whole milk. If you want to reduce calories, you can substitute turkey bacon for the bacon. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the flavor, so adding a sprinkle before serving is recommended. Also, ensure the potatoes are cut uniformly for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the clam chowder hot, garnished with crispy bacon bits and fresh herbs. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a Hot Spinach Salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a Sausage Hamburger Quiche for a delightful brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover clam chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from separating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Elegant Clam Chowder contains roughly 1105 calories, with 15g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and potassium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2236mg per serving (97% 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
Is there a way to make this chowder lighter?
Yes, you can lighten the chowder by using low-fat milk instead of half and half and reducing the amount of butter. You can also cut down on the bacon or use a turkey bacon alternative. This will still yield a delicious flavor while lowering the calorie count.
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).