Quahaug Chowder
A hearty New England-style clam chowder with tender quahaugs, potatoes, and smoky salt pork, layered with rich tomato flavor, perfect for comforting seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the salt pork until brown.
- Add onions and cook until browned.
- Remove from heat.
- Add 1 cup broth and 1 cup water; repeat until 3 cups of each have been added.
- Add diced potatoes and cook about 10 minutes.
- Add drained quahaugs and 1 more cup of broth.
- Add tomato soup and water.
- Simmer until potatoes are cooked.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked salt pork or adding a dash of hot sauce to the chowder. If quahaugs are unavailable, you can substitute with clams. To save time, pre-cook the diced potatoes in the broth before combining them with the other ingredients. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning as needed, especially since tomato soup can vary in saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the quahaug chowder in bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad to balance the richness of the chowder. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside Holiday Leftovers Casserole for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the chowder on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of broth or water to adjust the consistency if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quahaug Chowder contains roughly 1175 calories, with 19g protein, 165g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), potassium (60% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1032mg per serving (45% 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 quahaugs instead of drained ones?
Yes, you can use fresh quahaugs. Just make sure to clean and steam them until they open, then remove the meat and add it to the chowder. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
How can I make this chowder vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the salt pork and use vegetable broth instead of regular broth. You can also add diced carrots and celery for additional flavor and texture. Consider using mushrooms to give a savory depth similar to the original recipe.
Is this chowder freezable?
While it is possible to freeze the chowder, the texture may change after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, do so before adding the tomatoes. Reheat gently after thawing, and add fresh ingredients to enhance the flavor before serving.
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).