Clam Chowder with Bacon

Introduction

Clam Chowder with Bacon is a classic, comforting soup that is easy to make and flavorful. It is a hearty and tasty dish that will surely please any crowd. This chowder is made with diced bacon, onions, garlic, potatoes, canned clams, chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and half-and-half. It is finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of colour. This chowder is the perfect dish to warm up on a cold winter night.

Ease of Preparation

Clam Chowder with Bacon is a simple dish that requires minimal effort. All the ingredients are easily accessible and can be found in most grocery stores. The preparation time is minimal, and the cooking time is relatively short. All in all, this chowder can be made in less than 30 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Clam Chowder with Bacon is a hearty and nutritious dish. One serving provides approximately 225 calories, 8 grams of fat, 24 grams of carbohydrates, and 8 grams of protein. It is also a good source of vitamins A, B, and C.

Ingredients

-6 slices bacon, diced

-1 onion, diced

-3 cloves garlic, minced

-3 potatoes, peeled and diced

-2 (8-ounce) cans of chopped clams

-2 (14.5 ounces) cans of chicken broth

-1 teaspoon dried thyme

-1 bay leaf

-1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

-1 cup half-and-half

-3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preparation Method

To begin, dice the bacon and set it aside. Next, dice the onion and mince the garlic. Peel and dice the potatoes and set aside. In a large pot, add the bacon and cook over medium heat until crisp. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the vegetables are softened. Add the potatoes, clams, chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Add the half-and-half and parsley and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Cooking Tips

For a richer flavour, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half. For a smokier flavour, use smoked bacon instead of regular bacon. For a spicier flavour, add more cayenne pepper. If you don’t have canned clams, you can use fresh clams.

Flavour/Taste

Clam Chowder with Bacon is a savoury and flavorful dish. The bacon adds a smoky, salty flavour to the chowder, and the potatoes add a creamy texture. The thyme, bay leaf, and black pepper add a subtle earthy flavour. The cayenne pepper adds a slight kick of heat. The half-and-half adds a creamy richness to the chowder. The parsley adds a pop of colour and a bright flavour.

Best Dishes Paired With

Clam Chowder with Bacon pairs well with a variety of dishes. It can be served with a side of crusty bread or crackers. It also pairs well with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Origin of Dish and History

Clam Chowder with Bacon is a classic American dish. The first known recipe for clam chowder dates back to 1832. It was a simple recipe made with clams, potatoes, and salt pork. Over the years, the recipe has evolved, and today, the dish is made with bacon and other ingredients.

Popular Alternatives

There are a few popular alternatives if you’re looking for a different take on Clam Chowder with Bacon. You can add shrimp or crab to the chowder for a seafood twist. You can also add corn, celery, and carrots for more vegetables. You can also add cream cheese for a creamier texture.