Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Manhattan Seafood Chowder?
It is a hearty and flavorful seafood soup with a creamy tomato base, inspired by classic tomato-tortellini soup and adapted for a seaside essence.
Which seafood ingredients are included in this recipe?
The recipe uses canned salmon, baby clams, medium shrimp, and crabmeat, plus optional clam juice.
What type of vegetable juice is recommended?
The recipe calls for 46 ounces of vegetable juice, specifically suggesting V-8 juice.
How long should I sautรฉ the onions?
Sautรฉ the chopped onions in butter for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
What is the primary liquid base for the chowder?
The base consists of canned tomato soup, vegetable juice, and 6 cups of milk.
How long does the chowder need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the potatoes and other vegetables are tender.
Can I customize the seafood and vegetables?
Yes, you can feel free to customize the seafood and veggies to suit your family's specific preferences.
Is this chowder suitable for children?
Yes, it is described as a delightful and hearty meal that even young children will love.
What vegetables are required for the soup?
You will need onions, garlic, carrots, a potato, and a zucchini.
What herbs and spices are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with dried basil, dried oregano, and freshly ground pepper.
Do I need to drain the canned seafood?
Yes, the salmon, baby clams, shrimp, and crabmeat should all be drained before adding them to the pot.
How many cans of tomato soup are used?
The recipe requires two 10.75-ounce cans of tomato soup.
What type of milk can be used?
You can use whole milk or any milk of your choice to achieve the desired creaminess.
Is clam juice mandatory for this recipe?
No, the 8-ounce jar of clam juice is optional and added for an extra boost of flavor at the end.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be minced and sautรฉed with the onions for 1 to 2 minutes.
What is the best way to prevent the garlic from burning?
Stir frequently during the 1 to 2 minutes of cooking time to ensure the garlic does not burn.
What should I serve with this chowder?
It is recommended to serve the chowder with a crusty dinner roll for a complete and satisfying meal.
How many carrots are needed?
The recipe calls for two chopped carrots.
How should the salmon be prepped before cooking?
The canned salmon should be drained and flaked into chunks.
What kind of cooking vessel is best?
A large pot or a Dutch oven is ideal for preparing this volume of soup.
How many servings does this make?
While specific serving numbers aren't listed, the large quantity of liquid and ingredients suggests it makes a family-sized portion.
Can I use fresh seafood instead of canned?
Yes, while the recipe lists canned options for convenience, you can easily substitute them for fresh seafood.
Is the potato peeled or unpeeled?
The recipe simply says chopped; you may peel it or leave the skin on based on your preference.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter for sautรฉing the aromatics.
When do I add the herbs?
Add the basil, oregano, and pepper while stirring in the milk to ensure they are well distributed.
How do I keep the seafood chunks from breaking?
Gently fold in the canned seafood and mix carefully to avoid breaking the delicate chunks.
What size is the can of shrimp?
The recipe specifies one 6-ounce can of medium shrimp.
Is this a Manhattan or New England style chowder?
It is a Manhattan style chowder because it features a tomato-based broth rather than a purely cream-based one.
Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh?
Fresh minced garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but dried could be used in a pinch.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 medium onions, depending on your size preference.