What is clam chowder?
Clam chowder is a soup that is typically made with clams, potatoes, onions, celery, and cream. It is a popular dish in New England and is often served in a sourdough bread bowl.
Two kind of clam chowder:
England clam chowder and Manhattan clam chowder. New England clam chowder is made with a milk or cream-based broth and typically contains potatoes, onions, celery, and bacon. Manhattan clam chowder, on the other hand, is a tomato-based soup that includes vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions.
Clam chowder can be made with fresh or canned clams and is often seasoned with herbs and spices like thyme, bay leaves, and black pepper. It is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cold winter days, and is often served with oyster crackers or crusty bread.
is clam chowder soup healthy?
The healthiness of clam chowder can depend on the specific recipe and preparation methods used. Generally speaking, clam chowder is a rich and creamy soup that can be high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium.
New England clam chowder, which is made with cream, butter, and bacon, tends to be higher in calories and fat than Manhattan clam chowder, which is tomato-based. Canned clams can also be high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
However, there are ways to make clam chowder healthier. Using low-fat milk or a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk instead of cream can reduce the calorie and fat content of the soup. Adding more vegetables like carrots, spinach, or kale can also boost the nutritional value of the soup.
While New England and Manhattan clam chowder are the most common types, there are also other variations of clam chowder that can be found in different parts of the country. For example, Rhode Island clam chowder is a clear broth that includes potatoes, onions, and clams, but no cream. There is also Minorcan clam chowder, a spicy variation of clam chowder that originates from the coastal region of Florida.
How does clam chowder taste?.
Clam chowder has a rich and creamy flavor with a savory taste that comes from the clams, onions, and other vegetables that are used in the soup. The taste can also vary depending on the specific type of clam chowder.
New England clam chowder has a creamy texture and a smooth, velvety taste, with the cream being the dominant flavor. The clams add a subtle, slightly sweet taste to the soup, while the potatoes and onions provide a mild, savory flavor.
Manhattan clam chowder, on the other hand, has a more tangy taste because of the tomato-based broth. The soup has a thinner texture compared to New England clam chowder, and the tomato flavor is more prominent. The clams still add a subtle taste to the soup, while the other vegetables used in the soup add more depth to the flavor.
Recipe of New England clam chowder:
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups clam juice (from canned clams)
- 3 cups diced potatoes (about 2-3 medium potatoes)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cans of clams (6.5 ounces each), drained and chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How to Prepare:
In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crisp. Eliminate the bacon with an opened spoon and put away on a plate. In the same pot, add the diced onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. minced garlic cook one more minute. Cook for 1-2 minutes.Slowly pour in the clam juice, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the diced potatoes, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes .Add the chopped clams and heavy cream, and heat until the soup is hot but not boiling. salt and pepper as per taste. Serve hot, garnished with the cooked bacon and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
This recipe serves 4-6 people and can be served with crusty bread or oyster crackers on the side.
