A Flavorful-N-Tasty Clam Chowder!

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Recipe: Flavorful-N-Tasty Clam Chowder

History:
Clam chowder is a traditional American soup that has its roots in New England cuisine. It’s believed to have originated among the coastal communities of New England, particularly in states like Massachusetts and Maine. The use of clams and other local ingredients made it a staple dish in these regions, and it has since become a popular comfort food enjoyed across the United States.

Recipe Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh clams, cleaned and shucked
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Recipe Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.

2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté it in the bacon fat until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.

3. Add the diced potatoes, chopped celery, and diced carrots to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to slightly soften.

4. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and add the bay leaf, dried thyme, dried parsley, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.

5. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cleaned and shucked clams to the pot. If using canned clams, drain them and add them now. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the clams are heated through.

6. Pour in the heavy cream and stir the chowder gently. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Make sure not to boil the chowder after adding the cream to prevent curdling.

7. Taste the chowder and add salt if needed, depending on the saltiness of the clams and bacon.

8. Serve the clam chowder hot, garnished with the crispy bacon and chopped fresh parsley on top.

Preparation Steps:

1. Shuck and clean the fresh clams, if using.
2. Dice the bacon and cook it until crispy.
3. Sauté onion and garlic in bacon fat.
4. Add potatoes, celery, and carrots, and cook for a few minutes.
5. Pour in broth and add bay leaf, thyme, parsley, and black pepper. Simmer until vegetables are tender.
6. Add clams and cook for a few more minutes.
7. Pour in heavy cream and simmer briefly.
8. Season with salt and garnish with bacon and parsley.

Preparation Time:
Approximately 45-50 minutes.

Enjoy your delicious homemade clam chowder! It’s a perfect dish for colder days or whenever you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup.

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for the Flavorful-N-Tasty Clam Chowder recipe:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate values):

• Calories: ~350-400 kcal
• Total Fat: ~20-25g
• Saturated Fat: ~10-12g
• Cholesterol: ~60-70mg
• Sodium: ~800-1000mg
• Total Carbohydrates: ~30-35g
• Dietary Fiber: ~3-5g
• Sugars: ~5-7g
• Protein: ~10-15g

Health Information:

• Protein: The clam chowder provides a moderate amount of protein from the clams, bacon, and cream. Protein is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
• Fats: The recipe contains a notable amount of fat, primarily from the bacon and cream. While fats are a source of energy and contribute to the flavor and texture of the chowder, it’s important to consume them in moderation.
• Saturated Fat: The chowder is likely to have a significant amount of saturated fat, mainly from the bacon and cream. High intake of saturated fat may contribute to elevated cholesterol levels and heart health concerns. It’s advisable to limit saturated fat intake.
• Cholesterol: The chowder may contain a moderate amount of cholesterol due to the clams and cream. Dietary cholesterol should be consumed in moderation, especially for individuals with heart health concerns.
• Sodium: Clams and bacon are naturally salty, and the use of broth also adds to the sodium content. High sodium intake can impact blood pressure, so it’s important to monitor sodium intake, especially for those with hypertension.
• Carbohydrates: The chowder contains carbohydrates primarily from the potatoes, vegetables, and cream. Carbohydrates provide energy, but it’s recommended to focus on complex carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Fiber: The recipe includes a moderate amount of fiber from the vegetables. Fiber is important for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Vitamins and Minerals: The chowder may provide essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and clams. However, the exact amounts will depend on the specific ingredients used.

Note: The provided nutrition facts are approximate and can vary based on serving size and specific ingredient brands. It’s recommended to use online nutrition calculators or consult with a registered dietitian for more accurate information based on the actual ingredients used in your preparation.

Health Tip: To make the clam chowder a bit healthier, consider using turkey bacon or reducing the amount of regular bacon, opting for low-sodium broth, and using a lower-fat milk alternative to the heavy cream. Increasing the proportion of vegetables can also enhance the nutritional value of the dish.