Sam Lee'S Famous Clam Chowder
Rich and creamy clam chowder with tender potatoes, sweet corn, and smoky bacon, offering a comforting taste of the sea perfect for cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp and set aside.
- Use bacon oil to cook carrots, onion, and celery.
- Remove vegetables from oil and set aside.
- Cook potatoes until tender and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large pot.
- Add flour and brown to make a roux.
- Slowly add clam juice, stirring constantly.
- Add half and half and whipped cream to the mixture.
- Add canned clams with their juice.
- Stir in corn, carrots, celery, potatoes, and onion.
- Bring to a boil and thicken with cornstarch mixed with water.
- Add cooked bacon and butter.
- Simmer gently, ensuring not to burn or overcook the potatoes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh clams instead of canned ones. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the half and half with whole milk or a non-dairy alternative. Adding a splash of white wine can enhance the chowder's depth. Ensure to cook the bacon slowly to render the fat perfectly. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables work well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad such as The 'Ah!' Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside a protein, like grilled fish or the Good Pork Roast, to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent curdling of the cream. If the chowder thickens too much, add a little clam broth or water to reach your desired consistency before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sam Lee'S Famous Clam Chowder contains roughly 1758 calories, with 28g protein, 266g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (368% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and potassium (96% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 765mg per serving (33% 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 make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this chowder a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the taste. However, be cautious when reheating as cream-based soups can separate if heated too quickly.
What can I substitute for the bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon altogether and use olive oil for cooking the vegetables. To replicate the smoky flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke or smoked paprika. For a meat alternative, cooked turkey bacon or pancetta can also work well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This chowder is not gluten-free due to the flour used in the roux. To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch, mixing it with the clam juice to thicken the chowder without compromising the texture.
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).