Clam Chowder Basics

Clam chowder is one of the heartiest dishes you can serve during the winter because it's a dish that warms the soul. Unfortunately, many people turn to canned clam chowder. Although there are many brands that are quite tasty, nothing stands up to the taste of homemade clam chowder.

Ingredients For Clam Chowder
The most popular type of clam chowder is New England clam chowder. It is well known for its richness because of its cream base. To make New England style clam chowder, you will need russet potatoes, onions, flour, bacon grease or butter, clams, clam juice, milk, cream, salt and pepper. Using only cream creates a dish that is too rich and loaded with calories. Use bottled clam juice and fresh clams. If you use canned clams, you can use the liquid, but it will have a slightly metallic taste. It's best to stick with bottled clam juice whenever possible.

How to Prepare Clam Chowder
Saute the onions in butter or bacon grease until they become soft and translucent. Once the onions are cooked, add the potatoes and toss until they're coated in the fat. Add the flour and continue to toss the ingredients until they are coated in flour. The flour and fat will work together to create a roux, which will thicken the clam chowder. Add your clam juice and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the milk, cream mixture and clams. Continue to cook until heated through. Season the clam chowder with salt and pepper to taste.

Different Types of Clam Chowder
There are several varieties of clam chowder. One of the most popular variations is Manhattan clam chowder, which has a tomato base and is actually more like a soup than a chowder. Most types of clam chowder are a variation of the traditional New England style. These variations add ingredients like fish or corn. Other recipes may call for different vegetables like celery.

A Healthier Clam Chowder
There's no denying that clam chowder is not a low calorie dish. But that doesn't mean you should give up on it. You can cut the calories by cutting out the cream. If you're worried about carbs, you can also eliminate the potatoes and replace them with more onions and celery. You must remember, though, that cutting the cream and potatoes will leave your clam chowder a bit on the runny side. To thicken your low-calorie clam chowder, you can use a slurry of cornstarch and clam juice.

Serving Your Clam Chowder
Clam chowder is best served in a large mug. Serve crusty rolls for dipping or oyster crackers floating on top. However you serve this hearty dish, just remember to keep it simple.

When it comes down to it, nothing beats the flavor of homemade clam chowder. What are you waiting for? Go make a batch of clam chowder and curl up in front of the TV.