Janean'S Clam Chowder
Janean's Clam Chowder is a hearty, creamy soup featuring tender clams, potatoes, mushrooms, and onions, perfect for comforting meals and seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, add clam juice and enough water to cook the potatoes in. Bring to a boil and cook until tender.
- Fry bacon until crisp, then set aside.
- In the bacon fat, fry chopped onions until translucent.
- Set aside the cooked onions.
- Fry sliced mushrooms until browned, then set aside.
- Combine all ingredients except clams in the saucepan and bring just to a boil.
- Add a flour and water thickener to the mixture and stir well.
- Add the minced clams and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, sauté some garlic with the onions. If you're out of clam juice, you can substitute with fish stock or vegetable broth, though it will slightly alter the taste. For a thicker chowder, consider adding a bit more flour to your thickening mixture. Additionally, feel free to add bacon for a smoky touch, similar to the flavors in Bacon, Chestnut Appetizers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Janean's Clam Chowder hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or chives for added color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of Smothered Lettuce for a refreshing contrast. A sprinkle of crispy bacon on top can enhance the dish, making it a hearty meal. Consider offering a light salad on the side to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover clam chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving, as it can change the texture of the clams and potatoes. If the chowder thickens too much, add a splash of half and half to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Janean'S Clam Chowder contains roughly 1639 calories, with 25g protein, 216g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (82% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 910mg per serving (40% 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, you can use fresh clams if you prefer. Make sure to clean and steam them first, then add them to the chowder towards the end of cooking to ensure they don't overcook. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the amount of clam juice based on the freshness and quantity of clams used.
Is it possible to make this chowder dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make a dairy-free version, substitute the half and half with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. You can also use vegetable broth instead of clam juice for a lighter flavor. Adjust the seasonings as needed to maintain the richness of the chowder.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chowder while cooking. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when you add the salt and pepper. This will give your chowder a delightful kick without overpowering the seafood flavors.
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).