Mama'S Clam Chowder
Mama's Clam Chowder offers a hearty, creamy soup with smoky bacon, tender clams, and savory potatoes, perfect for comforting gatherings and seafood lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until almost crisp.
- Remove bacon and add chopped onions; cook for 5 minutes.
- Crumble the cooked bacon.
- Drain the canned clams and reserve the liquid.
- Add all ingredients except the clams to the pot.
- Cook the mixture for 15 minutes.
- Add the drained clams and heat for an additional 3 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to enhance the flavor of the chowder. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh clams with canned ones but ensure to drain them well. Adjust the thickness of the chowder by varying the amount of milk or adding a bit of flour to thicken it. This dish can also be adapted with ingredients from other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mama's Clam Chowder with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a delightful meal. It pairs beautifully with Jim Harty's Lollipop Appetizer for a fun starter. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the chowder, making it a complete dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover clam chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of milk during reheating if the chowder has thickened too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Clam Chowder contains roughly 1409 calories, with 25g protein, 203g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (75% of the Daily Value), calcium (62% of the Daily Value), and protein (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1939mg per serving (84% 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 ones?
Yes, you can use fresh clams, but you'll need to clean and cook them properly before adding them to the chowder. Just ensure they are fully cooked and the shells open up, which indicates they are safe to eat.
How can I make this chowder gluten-free?
To make this chowder gluten-free, simply replace any thickening agents with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour mix. Ensure that the broth and any additional ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I freeze clam chowder?
While you can freeze clam chowder, the texture may change upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, omit the clams and add them fresh when reheating. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
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).