Aunt Phyllis’ Clam Casserole

👩‍🍳 Aunt Phyllis’ Clam Casserole 🍽️

Aunt Phyllis’ Clam Casserole is a classic seafood dish that has been enjoyed by many for years. It’s a comforting casserole filled with clams, potatoes, and a creamy, flavorful sauce. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to make it.

📜 History:
The exact origins of Aunt Phyllis’ Clam Casserole are unclear, but it likely has its roots in American regional cuisine, especially in areas with easy access to fresh seafood. Clams have been a popular ingredient in various dishes along the East Coast of the United States for centuries. This casserole is a testament to the rich tradition of seafood-based recipes in American cooking.

🧊 Components:

• 2 cans of minced clams
• 4 cups of peeled and diced potatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

🔪 Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large pot, boil the diced potatoes until they are fork-tender. Drain and set aside.

3. In a separate pan, sauté the chopped onions and celery in 1/4 cup of butter until they are soft and translucent.

4. Stir in the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Cook this roux for a couple of minutes until it’s well combined.

5. Gradually whisk in the milk to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, usually about 5 minutes.

6. Add the canned minced clams (with their juice) to the sauce and mix well.

7. In a large casserole dish, layer the cooked potatoes and the creamy clam mixture.

8. Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese.

9. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole.

10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

🕒 Time Needed:
Aunt Phyllis’ Clam Casserole takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to prepare, including prep time and baking. It’s a perfect dish for a weekend gathering or a special occasion.

🍽️ Serving:
Serve this delightful casserole hot and garnish it with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for that finishing touch. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for seafood lovers.

Enjoy Aunt Phyllis’ Clam Casserole and share it with your loved ones for a taste of classic American comfort food! 🍽️🦪😋

Sure, here are the approximate nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Phyllis’ Clam Casserole. Please note that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Total Fat: About 18-20 grams
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 10-12 grams
• Cholesterol: Around 50-60 milligrams
• Sodium: About 600-700 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: Around 2-3 grams
  • Sugars: Approximately 5-6 grams
• Protein: About 12-15 grams

Health Information:

• Protein: The clam casserole provides a moderate amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

• Fats: This dish contains a notable amount of fats, with a significant portion being saturated fat due to the use of butter and cheese. While some saturated fat is okay, it’s essential to consume these in moderation to maintain heart health.

• Sodium: The sodium content can be relatively high, especially if you don’t use low-sodium ingredients. High sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure, so it’s advisable to watch your salt intake in your overall diet.

• Carbohydrates: The casserole contains carbohydrates, primarily from the potatoes and breadcrumbs. These provide energy, but if you’re watching your carb intake, be mindful of portion sizes.

• Dietary Fiber: The dish has a modest amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can help you feel fuller for longer.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Clams are a good source of essential minerals such as iron and zinc. They also contain vitamins like B12 and selenium. Potatoes provide vitamin C and potassium. However, the overall vitamin and mineral content can vary depending on ingredient choices.

• Calcium: The cheese in the casserole contributes to calcium intake, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.

In summary, Aunt Phyllis’ Clam Casserole can be a delicious and comforting dish but should be enjoyed in moderation, particularly if you are concerned about factors like saturated fat and sodium in your diet. To make it a bit healthier, you can consider using lower-fat dairy options and reducing the amount of salt in the recipe. Remember that the specific nutrition values can vary based on your recipe variations.