New England clam chowder is a comforting and creamy soup that warms the soul, especially on chilly evenings. This classic dish originated in the Northeastern United States and has become a beloved staple across the country.

Not only is it delicious, but it also offers a wonderful combination of flavors and nutrients. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of making your own New England clam chowder from scratch and provide essential nutrition facts to help you enjoy this dish while maintaining a balanced diet.

Ingredients of New England Clam Chowder Recipe

2 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups potatoes, diced (preferably Yukon Gold)
2 cups chicken broth

2 cups clam juice
2 cans (6.5 ounces each) of chopped clams, drained
1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions for New England Clam Chowder Recipe

1. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots, and sauté until they become tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

2. Add Potatoes and Liquids

Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, clam juice, bay leaf, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

3. Incorporate Clams and Cream

Stir in the drained chopped clams and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the half-and-half or heavy cream, stirring until the chowder is heated through but not boiling.

4. Serve and Garnish

Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
Ladle the New England clam chowder into bowls, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Serve hot with some crusty bread or oyster crackers.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 20g

Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Sodium: 850mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 4g

Sugars: 5g
Protein: 10g
Vitamin D: 15%

Calcium: 20%
Iron: 10%
Potassium: 20%

Conclusion

Homemade New England clam chowder is a delightful dish that’s not only rich and flavorful but also packed with essential nutrients. Now that you have this recipe and nutrition information, you can enjoy this classic soup while being mindful of your dietary needs.

Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring it on your own, this chowder is sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm your heart. Bon appétit!