Massachusetts Bay Company Chowder
A rich, creamy clam chowder with tender potatoes and fresh herbs, perfect for comforting gatherings and seafood lovers seeking classic New England flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb butter ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped leeks (white portion only) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 chopped scallions ⓘ
- 2/3 cup flour ⓘ
- 2 cups fish stock ⓘ
- 2 cups clam juice ⓘ
- 4 cups light cream ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 1 lb cooked and chopped clams ⓘ
- 2 boiled and diced potatoes ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon fresh tarragon ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large saucepan.
- Saute leeks, onion, celery, and scallions until soft.
- Stir in flour and cook for 5 minutes.
- While stirring, add fish stock and clam juice; simmer for 30 minutes.
- Stir in cream, white wine, cooked and chopped clams, boiled and diced potatoes, and tarragon.
- Gently simmer for 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker chowder, consider adding a bit more flour or using a roux. If you don't have clam juice, substitute with more fish stock or chicken broth. Fresh herbs like dill can replace tarragon for a different flavor profile. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of cream. This chowder can also be enhanced with a dash of hot sauce for added spice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for color. It pairs beautifully with crusty sourdough bread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Karlee'S Tuna Salad or a light seafood dish. A glass of crisp white wine complements the flavors well, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the cream to separate. If the chowder thickens too much upon refrigeration, add a splash of clam juice or fish stock while reheating to restore the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Massachusetts Bay Company Chowder contains roughly 604 calories, with 18g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (66% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 695mg per serving (30% 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?
Absolutely! If using fresh clams, steam them open and chop them before adding to the chowder. Make sure to reserve the cooking liquid and incorporate it into the broth for extra flavor. This will give your chowder a fresher taste and a more authentic seafood experience.
How can I make this chowder gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the chowder. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on the thickness you desire, as cornstarch can thicken more quickly than flour.
What can I do if the chowder turns out too salty?
If your chowder is too salty, you can balance the flavors by adding diced potatoes or a splash of cream to dilute the saltiness. Another method is to add a small amount of sugar, which can help to counteract the salt flavor. Taste as you go to ensure the balance is just right.
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).