Creamy Monterey Clam Chowder Delight
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of this creamy Monterey Clam Chowder Delight, perfect for warming up on chilly days. This chowder embodies the essence of coastal cuisine with fresh clams, crispy bacon, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered to perfection in a luxurious creamy base. Whether served as a hearty lunch or a comforting dinner, this chowder is sure to please seafood lovers and heartily fill hungry tummies. Share it with family and friends, accompanied by crusty bread for an extra treat.
6
Servings
467
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
carrot
1 (diced)
onion
1 medium (diced)
potato
1 (diced)
celery
1 stalk (diced)
bacon
1/2 lb (minced)
butter
1/4 lb (melted)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
clam juice
16 ounces (canned or bottled)
flour
1 1/2 cups (for roux)
milk
2 cups (whole or low-fat)
heavy whipping cream
2 cups (for richness)
half-and-half
2 cups (for creaminess)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
clams
1 lb (chopped (fresh, frozen, or canned))
Instructions
1
In a 5-quart sauce pot, combine the diced carrot, onion, potato, celery, minced bacon, and butter. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables are tender but not browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Once the vegetables are tender, sprinkle in the flour to create a roux. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook slightly.
3
Gradually pour in the clam juice, milk, heavy whipping cream, and half-and-half while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4
Add the minced garlic, black pepper, and chopped clams to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5
Reduce the heat to low-medium, and allow the chowder to simmer gently. Stir frequently, about every 5-10 minutes, to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pot.
6
Simmer the chowder for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until it reaches your desired thickness. If it becomes too thick, add more clam juice to thin it out.
7
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
31g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Monterey Clam Chowder Delight?
It is a rich and savory coastal-inspired seafood soup featuring fresh clams, crispy bacon, and vegetables in a luxurious creamy base.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this clam chowder?
There are 467 calories per serving.
What vegetables are included in the chowder?
The recipe calls for diced carrots, onions, potatoes, and celery.
Does this chowder contain bacon?
Yes, it uses 1/2 lb of minced bacon for added flavor and texture.
What types of dairy are used to make it creamy?
The recipe uses a combination of milk, heavy whipping cream, and half-and-half.
How long should the chowder simmer?
The chowder should simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours until it reaches your desired thickness.
Can I use canned clams for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh, frozen, or canned chopped clams.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 30g of fat.
How much protein is in a serving?
There is 12.5g of protein per serving.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
Each serving has 31g of carbohydrates.
How do I thicken the chowder?
The chowder is thickened using a roux made from butter and 1 1/2 cups of flour.
What should I do if the chowder becomes too thick during simmering?
If it becomes too thick, you can add more clam juice to thin it out to your preference.
What size pot is recommended for this recipe?
A 5-quart sauce pot is recommended for preparing this chowder.
How much clam juice is required?
You will need 16 ounces of canned or bottled clam juice.
Can I use low-fat milk?
Yes, you can use either whole or low-fat milk.
How do I prevent lumps in the soup?
Whisk constantly while gradually pouring in the clam juice and dairy products.
What seasoning is used in this recipe?
The primary seasonings are minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
How often should I stir the chowder while it simmers?
You should stir frequently, about every 5-10 minutes, to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pot.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to sauté the carrots, onions, potatoes, celery, bacon, and butter until the vegetables are tender.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté them over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes.
How long should the flour cook when making the roux?
The flour should be stirred continuously for about 2 minutes.
What garnish is recommended?
You can garnish the chowder with fresh herbs if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for dinner?
Yes, it is perfect as a hearty lunch or a comforting dinner.
What should I serve with this clam chowder?
It is best accompanied by crusty bread for dipping.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 lb of melted butter.
Does the recipe include fiber or sugar information?
No, fiber and sugar values are not provided for this recipe.
What is the preparation method for the garlic?
The 3 garlic cloves should be minced before being added to the pot.
Can I use fresh clams?
Yes, the recipe allows for 1 lb of fresh, frozen, or canned chopped clams.
What makes this chowder 'Monterey' style?
It embodies the essence of Monterey coastal cuisine through its rich dairy base and specific blend of seafood and vegetables.