Hearty Clam Chowder
Hearty clam chowder features tender potatoes, savory bacon, and tender clams in a rich broth with green peppers and celery, perfect for comforting meals and seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute bacon until crisp in a large kettle.
- Remove bacon and chop it.
- Add chopped green onions, grated potatoes, chopped green pepper, chopped celery, and minced garlic to the kettle.
- Add 2 cups chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco sauce.
- Cover the kettle and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the canned chopped clams along with their juice and half-and-half, then heat until hot.
- Do not bring to a boil.
- Add chopped bacon to the chowder before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of regular. If you want a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half along with the clams. Feel free to substitute with fresh clams or other seafood if desired. Adding a bay leaf during simmering can also enhance the taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For an extra treat, consider serving it alongside Donna'S Soup for a cozy dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover clam chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to prevent separation of ingredients. If the chowder thickens, add a little chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Clam Chowder contains roughly 149 calories, with 5g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value) and potassium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1444mg per serving (63% 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 make this clam chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chowder ahead of time. Just follow the recipe up to the point of adding the clams, then cool and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat and add clams just before serving to maintain their texture.
What can I use instead of bacon for a vegetarian version?
For a vegetarian clam chowder, you can use smoked tempeh or liquid smoke to replicate the smoky flavor of bacon. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it meat-free.
How can I thicken the chowder if it's too thin?
If your clam chowder turns out too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stirring it into the chowder while it simmers. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes to create a thicker consistency.
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).