Franny'S Clam Chowder
Franny's Clam Chowder offers a creamy, savory soup with tender clams, potatoes, and fresh herbs, perfect for comforting gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon in a Dutch oven or stockpot until crispy.
- Crumble the bacon and set aside.
- Cook sliced green onions, chopped celery, and minced garlic in the bacon grease for a few minutes.
- Add clams, cubed potato, sliced green onions, chopped celery, dried dill weed, chicken bouillon cube, water, pepper, and crumbled bacon to the pot.
- Cook for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Mix flour with a small amount of milk to create a slurry, then gradually add the remaining milk and stir well.
- Add the milk mixture to the pot and cook until the chowder thickens slightly.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute half-and-half for some of the milk. If fresh clams are unavailable, canned clams work well too; just adjust the cooking time. Adding a splash of white wine can elevate the flavor profile. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Consider stirring in some cooked bacon from another dish, like the Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta, for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with additional parsley for color. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside a side of Delicious Lima Beans for added protein and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the chowder has thickened too much. Avoid boiling to prevent separating the milk.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Franny'S Clam Chowder contains roughly 324 calories, with 17g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (69% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), and potassium (41% of the Daily Value). At about 324 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen clams. Just ensure they are thawed before adding them to the chowder. This will help maintain their texture and flavor. Adjust the cooking time as necessary, as frozen clams may release more liquid.
Is there a way to make this chowder gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the chowder. Just remember to create a slurry with the gluten-free option, similar to the original instructions.
What can I do if the chowder is too thick?
If your chowder turns out too thick, simply add a bit more milk or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir well to incorporate and heat gently to avoid curdling, ensuring it remains creamy and flavorful.
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).