Clam chowder is a classic and comforting soup that originated in the northeastern United States, particularly in New England. It is known for its creamy base made with milk or cream, combined with tender clams, potatoes, onions, and celery, seasoned with herbs and spices. The soup is often served in a hollowed-out bread bowl, adding to its hearty and satisfying appeal.

The history of clam chowder traces back to early American settlers who adapted traditional European recipes to include local ingredients. Clams were abundant along the coastal regions, especially in New England, leading to the development of various chowder recipes. Over time, clam chowder became a staple dish in seafood cuisine, enjoyed for its rich flavors and comforting warmth, particularly popular during colder months. Today, it remains a beloved classic in American gastronomy, with regional variations adding to its diversity and culinary legacy.

Ingredients for Clam Chowder:

- 2 cans (6.5 oz each) chopped clams, drained, juices reserved

- 3 slices bacon, diced

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 stalks celery, diced

- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced

- 2 cups clam juice (from the canned clams)

- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

- 1 cup heavy cream

- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method of Preparation:

1. In a large pot, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.

2. Add chopped onion and celery to the pot with the bacon drippings. Cook until the vegetables are softened.

3. Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for a few minutes.

4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Cook for another minute.

5. Pour in the clam juice (reserved from the canned clams) and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

6. Add the drained chopped clams to the pot. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

7. Stir in the heavy cream and cooked bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Continue simmering for a few more minutes until the chowder is heated through and thickened slightly.

9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

This recipe provides a clear and straightforward method of preparation, ensuring a delicious homemade clam chowder that's perfect for cozy meals.

Nutrition Value:

1. 2 cans (6.5 oz each) chopped clams, drained, juices reserved:

  - Calories: Approximately 120 calories per can (240 calories for 2 cans).

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible.

  - Protein: About 20 grams per can (40 grams for 2 cans).

  - Fat: Minimal.

  - Sodium: Varies based on brand, typically around 250-300 mg per can.

  - Cholesterol: Generally low, around 25-30 mg per can.

  - Vitamins and minerals: Clams are rich in vitamin B12, iron, zinc, selenium, and potassium.

  - Nutritional benefits: Clams are a good source of lean protein and essential minerals, especially vitamin B12, which is important for nerve function and red blood cell production.

2. 3 slices bacon, diced:

  - Calories: Approximately 40-50 calories per slice (120-150 calories for 3 slices).

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible.

  - Protein: Around 3-4 grams per slice (9-12 grams for 3 slices).

  - Fat: About 3-4 grams per slice (9-12 grams for 3 slices).

  - Sodium: Typically 150-200 mg per slice.

  - Cholesterol: Varies but generally around 15-20 mg per slice.

  - Vitamins and minerals: Bacon contains small amounts of vitamin B12, niacin, and zinc.

  - Nutritional benefits: While bacon is high in saturated fat and sodium, it adds flavor to the chowder and provides some protein and essential nutrients.

3. 1 onion, finely chopped:

  - Calories: Approximately 45-60 calories.

  - Carbohydrates: About 10-15 grams.

  - Protein: Around 1-2 grams.

  - Fat: Minimal.

  - Sodium: Low, around 5-10 mg.

  - Cholesterol: None.

  - Vitamins and minerals: Onions are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, and potassium.

  - Nutritional benefits: Onions add flavor and nutrients like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds to the chowder.

4. 2 stalks celery, diced:

  - Calories: Approximately 10-15 calories.

  - Carbohydrates: About 2-3 grams.

  - Protein: Around 0.5-1 gram.

  - Fat: Minimal.

  - Sodium: Very low, around 20-30 mg.

  - Cholesterol: None.

  - Vitamins and minerals: Celery is rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and folate.

  - Nutritional benefits: Celery provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals while adding crunch and freshness to the chowder.

5. 2 potatoes, peeled and diced:

  - Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories per potato (200-240 calories for 2 potatoes).

  - Carbohydrates: About 20-25 grams per potato (40-50 grams for 2 potatoes).

  - Protein: Around 2-3 grams per potato (4-6 grams for 2 potatoes).

  - Fat: Minimal.

  - Sodium: Low, around 5-10 mg per potato.

  - Cholesterol: None.

  - Vitamins and minerals: Potatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6, and manganese.

  - Nutritional benefits: Potatoes provide energy from carbohydrates, potassium for heart health, and vitamin C for immune support.

6. 2 cups clam juice (from the canned clams):

  - Calories: Varies, typically negligible.

  - Carbohydrates: Minimal.

  - Protein: Negligible.

  - Fat: Minimal.

  - Sodium: Contains some sodium from the clams, around 300-400 mg per cup.

  - Cholesterol: Minimal.

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains some vitamins and minerals from the clams.

  - Nutritional benefits: Adds seafood flavor and some nutrients from the clam juice.

7. 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth:

  - Calories: Approximately 10-20 calories per cup (20-40 calories for 2 cups).

  - Carbohydrates: About 1-2 grams per cup (2-4 grams for 2 cups).

  - Protein: Around 1-2 grams per cup (2-4 grams for 2 cups).

  - Fat: Minimal.

  - Sodium: Varies based on type and brand, typically 400-600 mg per cup.

  - Cholesterol: None.

  - Vitamins and minerals: Depends on the broth, but often contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

  - Nutritional benefits: Adds flavor and moisture to the chowder without significant calories.

8. 1 cup heavy cream:

  - Calories: Approximately 400-500 calories.

  - Carbohydrates: About 3-5 grams.

  - Protein: Around 2-3 grams.

  - Fat: About 40-50 grams.

  - Sodium: Low, around 30-50 mg.

  - Cholesterol: High, around 120-150 mg.

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin A.

  - Nutritional benefits: Adds creaminess and richness to the chowder but is high in calories, fat, and cholesterol.

9. 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour:

  - Calories: Approximately 50-60 calories.

  - Carbohydrates: About 10-15 grams.

  - Protein: Around 1-2 grams.

  - Fat: Minimal.

  - Sodium: Very low, around 1-2 mg.

  - Cholesterol: None.

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains small amounts of iron and folate.

  - Nutritional benefits: Used as a thickening agent in the chowder.

10. Salt and pepper to taste:

  - Calories: Negligible.

  - Carbohydrates: None.

  - Protein: None.

  - Fat: None.

  - Sodium: Adds sodium based on preference.

  - Cholesterol: None.

  - Nutritional benefits: Enhances flavor without significant nutrients.

11. Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish):

  - Calories: Negligible.

  - Carbohydrates: Minimal.

  - Protein: Minimal.

  - Fat: Minimal.

  - Sodium: Low.

  - Cholesterol: None.

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.

  - Nutritional benefits: Adds freshness, color, and a small amount of vitamins to the dish.

These ingredients combine to create a flavorful clam chowder rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, it's important to note that some ingredients like heavy cream and bacon contribute to the calorie and fat content, so moderation is key for a balanced diet.