Sheila'S Calgany Clam Chowder
A hearty clam chowder with tender potatoes, creamy milk, and savory clams, perfect for comforting meals and seafood lovers seeking rich, flavorful soups.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chopped onion, butter, and hash browns in a large skillet or pot.
- In a separate container, combine the flour and clam juice to form a slurry.
- Add all ingredients to a large pot and heat until the chowder thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute fresh clams if available; just ensure they are properly cleaned and cooked before adding. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon or smoked sausage can add depth of flavor without the extra cooking time. This chowder is reminiscent of other hearty seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sheila's Calgany Clam Chowder with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a delightful crunch. A fresh side salad with a citrus vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the chowder. This dish pairs beautifully with Easy Herbed Grilled Salmon for a complete seafood meal that embraces the flavors of the ocean.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens too much, add a little more milk or clam juice to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sheila'S Calgany Clam Chowder contains roughly 525 calories, with 9g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value), calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 646mg per serving (28% 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?
Yes, you can use fresh clams! Just ensure they are cleaned and cooked properly before adding them to the chowder. Fresh clams will add a richer flavor to the dish, but you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this chowder thicker?
To thicken the chowder, you can increase the amount of hash browns or add a cornstarch slurry. Simply mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the chowder while it cooks until it reaches the desired thickness.
What can I substitute for hash browns?
If you don't have hash browns, diced potatoes or even cooked rice can work as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the potatoes are tender, as they may require longer than frozen hash browns.
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).