Zesty Spicy Clam Chowder
This Zesty Spicy Clam Chowder is an electrifying twist on the classic Manhattan-style clam chowder, perfect for those who crave bold flavors and a little heat! Combining the briny goodness of clams with the rich heartiness of potatoes and the kick from jalapeños, this chowder promises a delightful explosion of taste in every spoonful. Bacon adds a savory depth, while fresh herbs elevate the overall experience, making it a finely balanced dish that’s sure to impress even the most discerning clam chowder aficionados. Serve it hot with crusty bread for dunking, and enjoy a warm bowl that’s brimming with flavor and comfort!
4
Servings
230
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
minced clams
1 (8 1/2 ounce can, drained with juice reserved)
bacon
3 (slices, cut into small pieces)
celery
1/2 (cup, finely chopped)
onion
1 (cup, chopped)
canned tomatoes
1 (16 ounce can, cut up with juice reserved)
potatoes
2 (medium, peeled and diced)
carrot
1/2 (cup, finely chopped)
jalapeno peppers
2 (seeded and finely chopped)
crushed dried thyme
1/2 (teaspoon)
salt
1 (teaspoon)
white or black pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
1. Drain the minced clams and reserve the liquid. Add enough water to the clam liquid to total 3 cups and set aside.
2
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, partially cook the bacon over medium heat until it starts to crisp. Add the chopped celery and onion, cooking until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3
3. Stir in the canned tomatoes with their juice and the clam juice mixture. Add the diced potatoes, chopped carrot, chopped jalapeños, crushed thyme, salt, and pepper.
4
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. For a creamier texture, mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher or the back of a spoon.
5
5. Stir in the reserved minced clams and heat through for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
8.75g
Fat
24.5g
Carbs
9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Spicy Clam Chowder?
It is an electrifying twist on the classic Manhattan-style clam chowder, featuring bold flavors, heat from jalapeños, and a savory base of clams and bacon.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What are the calorie counts for a serving of this chowder?
Each serving contains approximately 230 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 9 grams of protein per serving.
What provides the spiciness in this dish?
The heat comes from two seeded and finely chopped jalapeño peppers.
Can I make the chowder creamier?
Yes, for a creamier texture, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher or the back of a spoon during the simmering process.
When should I add the clams to the pot?
Stir in the reserved minced clams during the final 5 minutes of cooking to heat them through without overcooking them.
How much liquid is needed for the base?
You should use the reserved juice from the minced clams and add enough water to reach a total of 3 cups of liquid.
What kind of tomatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce can of tomatoes, cut up, with their juice reserved.
How long does the chowder need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 8.75 grams of fat per serving.
What type of clams are used?
The recipe uses one 8 1/2 ounce can of minced clams.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 24.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is bacon included in this clam chowder?
Yes, the recipe uses 3 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces, to add savory depth.
What vegetables are included?
The chowder includes celery, onion, potatoes, carrots, and jalapeño peppers.
What herbs and spices provide flavor?
The recipe is seasoned with crushed dried thyme, salt, and your choice of white or black pepper.
Should the potatoes be peeled?
Yes, the 2 medium potatoes should be peeled and diced before being added to the pot.
How should I prepare the bacon and initial vegetables?
Partially cook the bacon until it starts to crisp, then add the celery and onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
Is this a New England style chowder?
No, this is a Manhattan-style chowder, which uses a tomato-based broth rather than a cream-based one.
What should I serve with this chowder?
It is best served hot with crusty bread for dunking.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home cooks.
What tags describe this dish?
Tags include chowder, seafood, spicy soup, comfort food, clam chowder, hearty soup, and easy recipes.
How much onion is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chopped onion.
How much celery is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of finely chopped celery.
Can I use fresh herbs for garnish?
Yes, garnishing with fresh herbs is recommended to elevate the overall experience.
Do I need to seed the jalapeños?
Yes, the instructions specify that the jalapeños should be seeded and finely chopped.
What is the total amount of clam liquid/water mixture?
The total volume should be 3 cups.
What type of pot should I use?
A large pot or a Dutch oven is recommended for cooking this chowder.
Are there any vegetarian options for this recipe?
While the base contains clams and bacon, the recipe is tagged with 'vegetarian options', suggesting you could omit the meat/seafood for a vegetable-heavy spicy soup.