Savory Coastal Clam Chowder
Experience the comforting taste of the coast with this Savory Coastal Clam Chowder. Blending the traditional flavors of North Carolina's outer banks with a touch of Northern inspiration, this chowder is creamy, hearty, and packed with the ocean's bounty. The combination of tender clams, smoky salt pork, and the subtle sweetness of fresh potatoes creates a delightful dish perfect for sharing with family and friends. Each bowl is a warm embrace, best enjoyed with a side of crusty French bread and a glass of crisp white wine. Allow this chowder to transport you to sun-kissed shores, even on the chilliest of days.
8
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
ocean clams
51 ounces (drained (3 lbs, large can))
ocean clam juice
46 ounces (large can)
salt pork
1/2-3/4 lb (cut into cubes)
white onion
1 large (chopped finely)
bay leaves
2 (whole)
potatoes
3-4 large (peeled and cubed)
black pepper
3/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
half-and-half
3 cups (cold)
cornstarch
4 tablespoons (for thickening)
Instructions
1
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the cubed salt pork. Sauté until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to soften and caramelize slightly alongside the pork.
3
In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the sautéed salt pork and onions, ocean clams, clam juice, bay leaves, cubed potatoes, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
4
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook for approximately 6-7 hours on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5
During the last half hour of cooking, mix the cold half-and-half with the cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth.
6
Slowly add the half-and-half mixture to the slow cooker, stirring continuously to ensure it blends seamlessly into the chowder.
7
Cover and allow the chowder to cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.
8
Serve hot with a side of crusty French bread and a glass of white wine for the perfect pairing.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
27g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Coastal Clam Chowder?
It is a creamy and hearty dish blending traditional North Carolina Outer Banks flavors with Northern inspiration, featuring tender clams and smoky salt pork.
How long does it take to cook this chowder in a slow cooker?
The chowder should be cooked on low heat for approximately 6 to 7 hours, plus an additional 30 minutes for thickening.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains 400 calories, 25g of fat, 27g of carbohydrates, and 17.5g of protein.
What type of clams are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 51 ounces of drained ocean clams, which is typically one large can.
How do I prepare the salt pork?
Cut 1/2 to 3/4 pound of salt pork into cubes and sauté them in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crispy.
When should I add the onion?
Add the finely chopped white onion to the skillet with the salt pork during the last few minutes of cooking to soften and caramelize it.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A 6-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
How much clam juice is needed?
The recipe requires one large 46-ounce can of ocean clam juice.
What seasonings are used in the chowder?
The chowder is seasoned with 2 whole bay leaves and 3/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How do I thicken the clam chowder?
Mix 4 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 cups of cold half-and-half until smooth, then stir the mixture into the slow cooker.
When do I add the dairy and thickening agent?
Add the half-and-half and cornstarch mixture during the last 30 minutes of the cooking time.
Can I use any type of potato?
The recipe suggests 3 to 4 large potatoes that are peeled and cubed.
What are some suggested side dishes?
This chowder is best enjoyed with a side of crusty French bread.
What beverage pairs well with this dish?
A glass of crisp white wine is the perfect pairing for this coastal meal.
Do I need to stir the slow cooker frequently?
No, just stir gently when first combining ingredients and stir continuously while adding the half-and-half mixture at the end.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients: ocean clams, clam juice, salt pork, onion, bay leaves, potatoes, black pepper, half-and-half, and cornstarch.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include clam chowder, coastal recipe, slow cooker, seafood chowder, comfort food, and southern cuisine.
Is the half-and-half added warm or cold?
The half-and-half should be cold when mixing it with the cornstarch to ensure a smooth blend.
How long do I cook the chowder after adding the cornstarch slurry?
Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the chowder to thicken.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 25 grams of fat.
How much protein is in each bowl?
Each bowl contains 17.5 grams of protein.
Can I use a high heat setting on the slow cooker?
The recipe specifically recommends 6-7 hours on low heat for the flavors to meld properly.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one large white onion.
Should the salt pork be drained before adding to the slow cooker?
The recipe says to combine the sautéed salt pork and onions directly into the slow cooker.
How much black pepper is required?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy meal because the slow cooker does most of the work.
Does this chowder contain any fiber or sugar?
Fiber and sugar content are not specified in the nutritional data provided.
What is the texture of the chowder?
The chowder is described as creamy, hearty, and packed with the ocean's bounty.
Should I remove the bay leaves?
While not explicitly in the instructions, it is standard practice to remove the whole bay leaves before serving.