If you're a seafood lover, then you must try Chunky New England Style Clam Chowder. This delicious dish is perfect for winter and very easy to make! A single serving of 1 cup (245 g) Chunky New England Style Clam Chowder contains 270 calories.

Apart from the calories, clam chowder is loaded with essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and protein. It is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Clam chowder also contains antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.

In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies for making the best Chunky New England Style Clam Chowder and ways to make it healthier to enjoy without guilt.

Calories in Chunky New England Style Clam Chowder

A 1 cup (245 g) serving of Chunky New England Style Clam Chowder contains 270 calories, which is moderate in terms of calorie content. However, if you're watching your calorie intake, you can still enjoy this delicious soup by keeping an eye on your serving size. To reduce the calorie content, you can use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream or use a smaller amount of butter to make the roux. You can also add more vegetables such as celery, carrots, or broccoli to increase the fiber content and make it more filling.

Ingredients of Chunky New England Style Clam Chowder

The key ingredients of Chunky New England Style Clam Chowder are fresh clams, potatoes, onions, celery, garlic, butter, flour, chicken broth, heavy cream, and spices such as thyme and bay leaves. Fresh clams are the star ingredient of this soup, and they provide a rich and briny flavor. Potatoes add texture and make the soup more filling. Onions and celery provide a sweet and savory flavor, while garlic adds depth and complexity to the dish. The roux made with butter and flour is used to thicken the soup, and heavy cream gives it a rich and creamy texture.

Benefits of Eating Clam Chowder

Clam chowder is a nutritious dish that offers many health benefits, such as:

• Rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health.
• High in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
• Excellent source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, iron, and zinc, which support overall health.

Side Effects of Eating Clam Chowder

In rare cases, eating contaminated clams can cause food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. To avoid food poisoning, make sure to buy fresh clams from a reputable source and cook them properly.

How to Prepare Chunky New England Style Clam Chowder

To make Chunky New England Style Clam Chowder, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh clams
• 1 cup diced potatoes
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ways to Make Clam Chowder Healthier

To enjoy Chunky New England Style Clam Chowder without guilt, try these tips to make it healthier:

• Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the saturated fat content.
• Add more vegetables such as celery, carrots, or broccoli to increase the fiber content and make it more filling.
• Use less butter to make the roux, or replace it with a healthier fat such as olive oil.
• Season with herbs and spices instead of salt to reduce the sodium content.

Chunky New England Style Clam Chowder vs. Other Types of Clam Chowder

There are different types of clam chowder, such as New England, Manhattan, and Rhode Island. Here's how Chunky New England Style Clam Chowder compares to other types:

• New England Clam Chowder: Creamy and rich with chunks of potatoes and fresh clams.
• Manhattan Clam Chowder: Tomato-based and tangy with chunks of potatoes and clams.
• Rhode Island Clam Chowder: Clear and brothy with a salty and briny flavor.

Best Clam Chowder Brands to Buy

If you're short on time and want to try some pre-made clam chowder, here are some brands that are worth checking out:

• Pacific Foods Organic New England Clam Chowder
• Campbell's Chunky New England Clam Chowder
• Progresso Traditional New England Clam Chowder
• Bar Harbor New England Style Clam Chowder
• Bumble Bee New England Style Clam Chowder

Serving Size of Chunky New England Style Clam Chowder

A typical serving size of Chunky New England Style Clam Chowder is 1 cup (245 g), which contains 270 calories, 16 g of fat, 17 g of carbohydrates, and 13 g of protein. However, the actual serving size may vary depending on the recipe and preparation method. To enjoy Chunky New England Style Clam Chowder without overdoing it, make sure to measure your serving size and pair it with a side salad or some whole-grain bread to make it a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chunky New England Style Clam Chowder

Q: Can I use canned clams instead of fresh clams?

A: Yes, you can use canned clams if fresh clams are not available. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before using them in the recipe. Q: Is clam chowder gluten-free?

A: It depends on the recipe and the ingredients used. If the recipe uses wheat flour to make the roux, then it may not be gluten-free. However, you can use gluten-free flour such as rice flour or cornstarch to make the roux and make it gluten-free. Q: Can I freeze clam chowder?

A: Yes, you can freeze clam chowder. However, the texture and consistency may change after freezing and thawing. To freeze clam chowder, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Label the container with the date and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the chowder overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.