Maine Clam Or Fish Chowder
A hearty, comforting chowder featuring tender potatoes, savory salt pork, and fresh clams or fish, ideal for warming up on cold days and pleasing seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute diced salt pork until crisp; then add chopped onions.
- Add chopped potatoes and cover with water; cook until potatoes are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add chopped clams or fish pieces to the chowder.
- Stir in rich milk or half and half before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the chowder's flavor, consider using homemade fish stock instead of water for cooking the potatoes. If you don't have salt pork, diced bacon or smoked sausage can be excellent substitutes. For a creamier texture, add more milk or half and half gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning with fresh herbs like thyme for added aroma.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or rolls, perfect for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing Multi Layer Salad or Broccoli, Bacon And Cauliflower Salad to balance the richness of the chowder.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens too much during storage, add a splash of milk or water to restore its creamy consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maine Clam Or Fish Chowder contains roughly 224 calories, with 3g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value) and potassium (14% 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 fish in this chowder?
Yes, you can use other firm white fish like pollock or tilapia if haddock or cod is unavailable. Just ensure the fish is fresh and cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are done when they are easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes of simmering, depending on the size of the potato cubes.
Is it possible to make this chowder dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the milk or half and half with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. This will give the chowder a different flavor profile but still maintain a 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).