Seashore Chowder
Seashore Chowder offers a creamy, savory blend of seafood, potatoes, and herbs, perfect for comforting meals and seafood lovers seeking rich, flavorful flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 cups cubed red potatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 3 cups milk ⓘ
- 8 oz. can oysters, drained and rinsed
- 6 1/2 oz. can clams, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Add cubed red potatoes, chopped onion, and chopped celery to the pan.
- Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove the bacon and vegetables from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add drained oysters and clams, basil leaves, and cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Return the cooked bacon and vegetables to the pan, stirring to combine.
- Simmer for a few minutes to heat through. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or substituting half-and-half for some of the milk. You can also use fresh clams and oysters if available. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead. Adding a dash of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chowder with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal. A side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the chowder nicely. It also pairs beautifully with Stacey'S Four-Cheese Cheeseburger Pizza for a hearty dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the milk from curdling. Adding a little extra milk while reheating can help restore its creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seashore Chowder contains roughly 1154 calories, with 39g protein, 202g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (111% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (87% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 24g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other types of seafood in this chowder?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute shrimp or fish fillets for the clams and oysters. Just ensure they are cooked through before serving. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on your seafood choice.
How can I thicken the chowder if it's too thin?
If your chowder is thinner than you prefer, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the chowder and simmer until it thickens. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes to naturally thicken the soup.
Is there a way to make this chowder spicier?
Certainly! If you like it spicy, consider adding more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to taste. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
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).