Freeda Midkiff'S Clam Chowder
A hearty and comforting clam chowder featuring tender potatoes, salty bacon, and fresh clams, perfect for cozy gatherings and seafood lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place salt pork or bacon and chopped onion in a pan and cook until the onion is golden brown.
- Add 2 cups of water (including clam liquid) and the cubed potatoes. Simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- Melt butter in a separate saucepan; stir in flour, milk, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Combine the milk mixture with the clam and potato mixture. Heat through, but do not boil.
- Add the chopped clams to the soup and heat until warmed.
- Break the crackers into small pieces and add to the chowder just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of salt pork and bacon. If you don't have fresh clams, canned clams work well; just drain them and reserve the liquid. To thicken the chowder, you can add more flour if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more thyme or pepper as it cooks. For a twist, try adding some diced celery or carrots for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Mary'S Breakfast Burritos for a hearty brunch spread or as a comforting dinner option with Chuck Wagon Baked Beans.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover clam chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid curdling the milk. You can also add a splash of milk to restore creaminess if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Freeda Midkiff'S Clam Chowder contains roughly 1053 calories, with 15g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 954mg per serving (41% 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 other types of meat instead of salt pork or bacon?
Yes, you can use diced ham or even smoked sausage for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the meat you choose.
What can I do if my chowder is too thick?
If your chowder turns out too thick, simply add a little more milk or broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir well while reheating to ensure it's smooth and creamy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative, such as almond milk or coconut milk. Use a thickener like cornstarch mixed with water to achieve the creamy texture.
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).