Gramma'S Clam Chowder
A hearty New England clam chowder featuring tender potatoes, savory salt pork, and rich milk, perfect for comforting gatherings and seafood lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry salt pork slices until crisp and golden; watch carefully.
- Remove and drain the salt pork, then cut into tiny pieces.
- In the fat, cook the chopped onion until tender.
- Cut potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes and add to the onion.
- Add water to cover the potatoes and cook until almost done.
- Add minced clams with their juice and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Add rich milk or half and half to the chowder.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil but do not boil.
- Add butter and serve warm with crackers.
- Sprinkle the chopped salt pork on top for extra flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh clams instead of canned. If you don't have salt pork, bacon can be a good substitute. For a thicker chowder, mash some of the potatoes after cooking. Additionally, you can enhance the dish with herbs like thyme or parsley for added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder warm with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping. A fresh green salad pairs nicely, and for a complete meal, consider serving alongside Bourbon Street Baked Beans. For added texture, you can top each bowl with a sprinkle of crispy salt pork.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chowder on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent the milk from curdling. You can also add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creaminess if it thickens.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gramma'S Clam Chowder contains roughly 1699 calories, with 9g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 147g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (38% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 711mg per serving (31% 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, using fresh clams can enhance the flavor of the chowder. Just make sure to clean them thoroughly and steam them until they open before adding them to the pot, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
What type of potatoes work best in clam chowder?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are great choices for clam chowder due to their creamy texture when cooked. They hold up well in the chowder and add a nice richness to the dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chowder can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will develop even more overnight. Just remember to reheat gently before serving, as the texture can change if boiled.
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).