Nancy'S Clam Chowder
Nancy's Clam Chowder is a comforting, creamy soup featuring tender potatoes, savory minced clams, and fresh celery. Its rich, mildly salty flavor makes it perfect for a cozy meal, especially enjoyed during colder months or as a satisfying starter for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except milk and cornstarch in a Dutch oven.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water until dissolved.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the clam mixture.
- Add the milk.
- Simmer until the soup thickens, stirring often.
- Do not boil after adding the milk.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider using whole milk or half-and-half instead of skim milk. If you're short on time, frozen diced potatoes can be a convenient substitute. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the flavor profile. If you prefer a bit of heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can elevate the dish. To enhance texture, try adding some crispy bacon bits.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Nancy's Clam Chowder with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with Spicy Confetti Cornbread for a complete meal. For a light side, consider a simple green salad. For a little extra indulgence, crusty bread or oyster crackers complement the chowder perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to avoid curdling the milk. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore the chowder's consistency. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can cause uneven heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nancy'S Clam Chowder contains roughly 1800 calories, with 24g protein, 297g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (93% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (80% of the Daily Value), and calcium (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2946mg per serving (128% 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 clams?
Yes, you can use fresh clams, but ensure they're properly cleaned and cooked before adding them to the chowder. You'll need approximately 1 pound of fresh clams, and they should be steamed open prior to including them in the recipe.
Is there a vegetarian version of this chowder?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the clams and replace the clam juice with vegetable broth. You can add additional vegetables like carrots or corn for flavor and texture. This way, you can enjoy a delicious, meat-free chowder.
What can I do if my chowder is too thin?
If your chowder is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and then stirring it into the chowder while it simmers. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired 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).