Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coastal Corn & Clam Chowder?
Coastal Corn & Clam Chowder is a hearty, Manhattan-style chowder featuring clams, corn, and a medley of vegetables in a savory tomato base.
Is this a tomato-based or cream-based chowder?
This is a Manhattan-style chowder, which means it uses a savory tomato base rather than a cream base.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
The chowder should be cooked on the low setting for 4 to 6 hours until the vegetables are tender.
What setting should I use on my slow cooker?
You should use the low setting for the majority of the cooking process.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either frozen or fresh corn for this chowder.
Should I drain the canned clams?
No, do not drain the clams; add them to the slow cooker along with their juice for extra flavor.
When should I add the clams to the slow cooker?
Add the chopped clams approximately 45 minutes before you plan to serve the chowder.
What type of broth is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of liquid chicken broth.
Does this recipe include meat other than clams?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 ounces of julienned Canadian bacon.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be peeled and cubed into one-cup portions.
What vegetables are included in the chowder?
The chowder contains diced tomatoes, potatoes, onion, corn, celery, and green bell pepper.
What herbs are used to season the chowder?
The dish is seasoned with dried thyme, dried basil, and a whole bay leaf.
Why is sugar included in the recipe?
A small amount of sugar is added to help balance the acidity of the diced tomatoes.
Should the bay leaf stay in the soup when served?
No, you should remove the bay leaf once the cooking time is complete and before serving.
How should the onion be cut?
The onion should be finely chopped for this recipe.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires one minced clove of garlic.
Is this chowder suitable for a low-cholesterol diet?
Yes, this Coastal Corn & Clam Chowder is described as a low-cholesterol dish.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for two 14-ounce cans of canned diced tomatoes.
What color bell pepper is used?
The recipe specifically lists 1/2 cup of chopped green bell pepper.
How much celery do I need?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped celery.
Can I garnish this dish?
Yes, you can serve the chowder hot and garnish it with fresh herbs if desired.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is a breeze to make because most of the cooking is handled by the slow cooker.
What is the texture of this chowder?
The chowder is rich, hearty, and full of tender vegetables and succulent clams.
When is the best time to serve this soup?
It is perfect for warming up on chilly days.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 16 ingredients, including seasonings like salt and pepper.
How do I finish the dish after cooking?
Once complete, remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
How is the Canadian bacon prepared?
The Canadian bacon should be julienned before being added to the slow cooker.
How do I ensure the ingredients are mixed well?
Stir all the initial ingredients together in the slow cooker until they are well blended before starting the cook time.
Is this recipe good for groups?
Yes, it is a great dish to share with friends and family.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried herbs?
The recipe specifically uses dried thyme and dried basil, though you can garnish with fresh herbs.