Clam and Bacon Chowder

Introduction

Clam and Bacon Chowder is a delicious and comforting dish that will surely please any seafood lover. The combination of clams, bacon and a creamy broth makes for a hearty and flavorful chowder. This chowder is easy to make and can be served as a main course or a side dish. The dish is flavoured and will surely be a hit with family and friends.

Ease of Preparation

Clam and Bacon Chowder is a simple and easy dish to prepare. All you need to do is sauté the bacon and onion, add the flour and chicken broth, and then simmer the chowder until it thickens. Once the chowder is thickened, stir in the cream, clams, thyme, pepper, corn, and parsley. The chowder is ready to serve after a few minutes of simmering.

Nutritional Information

Clam and Bacon Chowder is a hearty and nutritious dish. One serving of this chowder contains approximately 280 calories, 16 grams of fat, 13 grams of protein, and 21 grams of carbohydrates. It is also a good calcium, iron, and vitamin A source.

Ingredients

-2 slices of bacon, diced

-1 small onion, diced

-2 cloves of garlic, minced

-1/4 cup all-purpose flour

-3 cups chicken broth

-1 cup heavy cream

-2 (6.5 oz) cans of minced clams, drained

-1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

-1/4 teaspoon black pepper

-1/2 cup frozen corn

-1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preparation Method

Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and onion and cook until the bacon is crisp and the onion is softened. Next, add the garlic and cook for another minute. Then, stir in the flour and cook for another minute. Slowly add the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the chowder for 10-15 minutes or until it has thickened. 

Next, stir in the cream, clams, thyme, pepper, corn, and parsley. Simmer the chowder for an additional 5 minutes. Serve the chowder warm with crusty bread or crackers.

Cooking Tips

For a thicker chowder, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch before adding the cream and clams. This will help to thicken the chowder even more.

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicier chowder.

Substitute half and half or whole milk for the heavy cream for a richer flavour.

Flavour/Taste

Clam and Bacon Chowder has a rich and creamy flavour that is sure to please. Combining bacon, clams, and creamy broth creates a unique and flavorful dish. Adding thyme and pepper adds a hint of earthiness, while the corn and parsley provide a freshness that helps balance out the chowder’s richness.

Best Dishes Paired With

Clam and Bacon Chowder pairs well with a variety of dishes. Try serving it with a side of crusty bread or crackers. For a light meal, serve the chowder with a side salad. For a heartier meal, serve the chowder with roasted vegetables or a baked potato.

Origin of Dish and History

Clam and Bacon Chowder is a classic New England dish that has been around for centuries. The dish originated in the late 1800s and has been popular ever since. The dish is traditionally made with fresh clams and bacon, but canned clams can be a convenient substitute.

Popular Alternatives

Try substituting the bacon with diced ham or turkey bacon for a lighter version of Clam and Bacon Chowder. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also substitute the cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.