Rich'S Clam Chowder
Rich'S Clam Chowder offers a creamy, hearty soup with tender potatoes, clams, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting gatherings or a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. salt pork ⓘ
- 1 1/4 lb. margarine ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. celery, chopped 1/4-inch
- 1 1/2 lb. onions, chopped 1/4-inch
- 1 lb. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme, whole
- 1 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 gal. clam broth ⓘ
- 1 qt. milk ⓘ
- 3 lb. cooked potatoes, cut 1-inch ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 pt. cream (half and half) ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt salt pork and margarine at high heat, stirring to prevent burning.
- Add chopped celery and onions; sauté for 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Add flour and mix to make a roux.
- Stir often and cook for 10 minutes to prevent scorching.
- Add thyme and garlic salt to the roux.
- Whisk clam broth into the roux.
- Increase heat to high and whisk constantly until smooth.
- Reduce heat to simmer.
- Add milk and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
- Add cooked potatoes, chopped clams, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco sauce.
- Mix thoroughly and heat through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using bacon instead of salt pork. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute half of the cream with low-fat milk. To enhance the dish, add freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill just before serving. Be careful not to overcook the vegetables; they should remain slightly crisp for better texture in your clam chowder.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the clam chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Mike'S Potato Soup or enjoy it as part of a comforting spread with other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover clam chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent curdling. If the chowder thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rich'S Clam Chowder contains roughly 1514 calories, with 20g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (360% of the Daily Value), iron (215% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (107% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1469mg per serving (64% 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 absolutely use fresh clams. Just make sure to clean them thoroughly and cook them until they're fully opened before adding them to the chowder. This will enhance the freshness and flavor of your dish.
How can I make this chowder gluten-free?
To make this clam chowder gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to create the roux. Ensure that your clam broth and any other packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free for a safe option.
What can I do if my chowder is too thick?
If your clam chowder turns out too thick, simply add a bit more clam broth or milk while stirring over low heat until you reach the desired consistency. This will help loosen the chowder without compromising its rich flavor.
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).