Classic New England Clam Chowder recipe

 A Creamy, Comforting Coastal Classic

Warm up with a bowl of quintessential New England comfort food - Classic New England Clam Chowder. This rich and creamy soup is a staple of the Northeastern coast, featuring tender clams, potatoes, and onions in a velvety broth. With its origins dating back to the early colonial days, this beloved recipe has been perfected over time, and its hearty flavors continue to captivate palates to this day. Whether you're a native New Englander or just visiting, this authentic Clam Chowder recipe is sure to transport you to the rugged coastlines and cozy kitchens of this charming region. So, grab a spoon and indulge in a taste of tradition!

Ingredients:

- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter

- 1 medium onion, diced (120g)

- 2 cloves garlic, minced (6g)

- 1 pound (450g) clams, scrubbed and rinsed (fresh or canned)

- 1 cup (250ml) clam juice

- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk or cream

- 2 cups (400g) diced potatoes (about 2-3 medium-sized potatoes)

- 1 teaspoon (5g) dried thyme

- Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

3. Add clams, clam juice, milk or cream, potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

5. Use an immersion blender to puree the chowder until smooth, or allow it to cool and puree it in a blender.

6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives (optional).

Note: You can adjust the amount of clams, potatoes, and cream to your liking. Also, you can use fresh or canned clams, depending on availability and preference.

Given that there are six servings of clam chowder overall, the following comprehensive calorie information is provided:

Per serving (approx. 300g):

- Calories: 270-320

- Protein: 22-27g

    - Clams: 18-20g

    - Milk/Cream: 4-5g

- Fat: 17-22g

    - Saturated fat: 10-12g

    - Omega-3 fatty acids: 0.5-1g

- Carbohydrates: 28-33g

    - Potatoes: 20-25g

    - Onion: 4-5g

    - Garlic: negligible

- Fiber: 3-4g

- Cholesterol: 35-45mg

- Sodium: 450-550mg

- Sugar: 4-5g

Vitamins and Minerals:

- Vitamin A: 10-15% of the Daily Value (DV)

- Vitamin C: 20-25% of the DV

- Calcium: 15-20% of the DV

- Iron: 10-15% of the DV

- Potassium: 20-25% of the DV

Please note that this is an estimate, as exact values depend on specific ingredient brands and measurements. Additionally, Clam Chowder can vary in ingredients and portion sizes, affecting calorie counts. This chart serves as an approximate guide.