Discover The Creamy And Comforting World Of Clam Chowder 

The popular name in the realm of soup is clam chowder which originated in the northeastern United States. Due to the presence of beneficial ingredients, there are lots of health benefits to consuming this American cuisine.

It is a source of protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, calories, and fibre that can make a healthier version without sacrificing the flavour. The taste and flavour have been modified from the early stage by changing the ingredients as time goes on.

Most of the people do not agree that this recipe is marked as “healthy” as it includes cream. Hence, we need to understand each ingredient regarding its health benefits in the succeeding section to establish this statement.

Let’s make a journey with a healthy soup and learn in detail about Clam chowder including its making procedure, health benefits and many more! 

What is Clam Chowder?

Clam chowder is a simple soup with a few pantry ingredients such as clams, salt pork, diced potatoes, and onions. Tomatoes, cream or pepper may be used to enhance the taste and flavour. The main ingredient clam is a great source of protein and minerals. 

This American cuisine originated in the northeastern United States in the early 19th century and spread throughout the U.S.A. in the 19th and 20th centuries. Several regional variations have been developed with the addition of some ingredients.

Now the dish is commonly served in different restaurants throughout the country with many regional variations such as New England clam chowder, Manhattan, Rhode Island and more. It is usually served with saltine crackers or small, hexagonal oyster crackers.

The Origin and History of Clam Chowder:

The word Chowder has come from the Latin word calderia. It is originally meant as a place for warming things. Later the word came to mean cooking pot and in French it became chaudiere. Besides this, it is thought to come from the old English word jowter.

In the past, a simple dish of chowder was considered a “poor man’s food”. The word calderia also gave us cauldron and vegetables or fish stewed in a cauldron thus becoming known as chowder in English-speaking nations. 

At the early stage, the clam chowder was thickened during cooking using state bread or crackers. As we know it today, it did not contain milk at that time. The first recipe for Manhattan clam chowder was published before 1919 with tomatoes but no milk. 

The current name was certified in 1934 and spread throughout the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries. Several regional variations have been developed with the addition of some ingredients.

Variations of Clam Chowder:

1. Manhattan Clam Chowder

This red clam chowder has tomato-based stews without milk or cream. It usually contains vegetables such as carrots or celery and as a seasoning thyme is often used. 

This style of chowder is frequently referred to as “Rocky Point clam chowder” as it was a famous menu item at the Rocky Point Amusement Park shore dinner hall. 

2. New England Clam Chowder

This type of chowder is occasionally referred to as Boston or Boston-style clam chowder. It is a milk or cream-based chowder and maintains a thicker consistency than any other regional style. This variation is usually made with butter, milk, diced potatoes, salt pork, clams and onions. The hard track or flour may be used as a thickener. 

This chowder is usually accompanied by oyster crackers that may be crushed and mixed into the soup for thickener or used as a garnish. 

3. Rhode Island Clam Chowder

This variation of clam contains no dairy or tomatoes and is made with clear broth. It originated from Washington Country and is common in southeastern Rhode Island.

4. Long Island Clam Chowder

Long Island clam chowder is a pinkish creamy tomato clam and is a combination chowder style of New England and Manhattan style. Two typical parent chowders are cooked separately and then poured into the same bowl to mix to get a different flavour. This renowned variant of chowder is available in many small restaurants across the new york.

Apart from the chowder recipes mentioned above, some other healthy chowder recipes include:

• Maine. 
• Portuguese. 
• Lobster corn.  
• Oyster.  
• Mussel Fennel.
• Wild mushroom.
• Bluefish.
• Wild Salmon.
• Smoked Haddock.

How To Prepare Clam Chowder:

There are four variations of clam chowder. Select anyone and get ready to make with the following ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Clams: Canned minced clams are to be used.
• Vegetables: Diced Potatoes, carrots, celery and onion. Tomatoes can be added also.
• Cream: For thick, smooth and velvety texture.
• Hard Track: It can be used for increasing consistency(optional).
• Flour and Butter: Melted butter and all-purpose flour are used to make a roux.
• Water: Clean water to be used for cooking.
• Seasonings: Simply seasoned with salt and pepper.

Making Process Of Clam Chowder:

Follow the following three steps to make this healthier recipe at home.

Step 1:

• Clean all vegetables with fresh water to maintain hygiene.
• Cut all vegetables into small pieces and place them into a large skillet.
• Add enough water to cover all vegetables and pour in clam juice. 
• Set the oven to medium-low heat.
• Cook and stir vegetables until the they are soft.
• Take it out from the oven and keep it aside.

Step2:

• Melt butter in a large saucepan with medium heat.
• Whisk and stir constantly in flour and cream until thick and smooth.
• Add the cooked vegetable mixture with any juice until just heated through.

Step 3:

• Don’t wait to cook too much as it may get tough.
• Add clams and stir immediately before serving.
• Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavour.
• Let’s serve and enjoy!

Health Benefits and Risks of Clam Chowder:

As per the guidelines taken from Quora, there are several health benefits of clam chowder due to the presence of healthier ingredients.

1. It can help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease caused due to vitamin B12.
2. Protects against anaemia caused due to iron deficiency.
3. It can fight against arthritis.
4. Increases the functionality of the immune system.
5. It regulates the blood sugar levels.
6. Good for the teeth and gums.
7. Promotes healthy skin.
8. Keep thyroid in top shape.
9. Stabilizes blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

Thickness agent roux has high-fat content and cream is also a high-fat content ingredient. Hence it should be taken in moderation to remain healthy at all times.

Nutrition Facts:

It has been considered for 100 grams of Manhattan style:

• Calories: 55
• Fat: 1.5 grams.
• Cholesterol: 5 mg.
• Sodium: 418 mg.
• Potassium: 165 mg.
• Carbohydrate: 9 grams.
• Protein: 4 grams.

Apart from the above, vitamin C, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium and more nutrients are present also. 

Conclusion:

Clam chowder is a hearty soup that can be made more easily than you think with some easily available ingredients such as clam, some vegetables, cream and more. There are some variations of this famous recipe in Manhattan, New England, Rhode Island and Long Island as discussed in this article.

However, any of the variations should be consumed in moderation as these are the rich source of protein, fat, carbs and many more nutrients. Hence, individuals particularly worried about their health can enjoy this dish as per their choice.  

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