Uncle George'S Clam Chowder
Uncle George's Clam Chowder offers a hearty, flavorful soup with tender clams, potatoes, and savory seasonings, perfect for cozy gatherings and seafood lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash clams thoroughly in fresh water to remove sand.
- Just cover clams with water and steam until they open, about 15 minutes. Remove clams from shells and chop them.
- Set aside the chopped clams.
- Saute chopped onion and salt pork with butter in a pan.
- Add all ingredients except the chopped clams to the clam water used for steaming.
- Add more water if necessary, then bring to a slow boil and cook for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add the chopped clams and cook for an additional 2 to 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider adding a splash of heavy cream towards the end of cooking. If salt pork is unavailable, diced bacon can be a tasty substitute. To enhance the flavor, you can also include a bay leaf during the simmering process. Keep the potatoes uniform in size for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for added color. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or Mcgee'S Cracklin Corn Bread for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, complement the chowder with a simple side salad or Kielbasa Pasta Salad.
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 potatoes from becoming mushy. You may need to add a bit of water or milk to restore the chowder's desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Uncle George'S Clam Chowder contains roughly 1301 calories, with 20g protein, 183g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (97% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (75% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 820mg per serving (36% 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 steamed clams?
Yes, you can use fresh clams. Just make sure to clean and soak them properly to remove any sand. Then steam them until they open, following the same process as in the recipe.
How can I make this chowder vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the salt pork and use olive oil for sautéing. Replace the water with vegetable broth and consider adding diced carrots and celery for extra flavor.
What type of potatoes work best for clam chowder?
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal as they hold their shape well during cooking. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they may break down too much and make the chowder too thick.
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).