Clam Chowder

United States

Also known as New England Clam Chowder

About Clam Chowder

Clam Chowder is a thick, creamy soup of clams, potatoes, onions and celery, usually flavored with salt pork or bacon. The best-known version is New England clam chowder, made with milk or cream.

Chowder became popular in the coastal communities of New England in the 18th century. The word may come from the French chaudière, a large cooking pot. Today it is especially linked to Boston and other coastal towns.

There are rival styles. Manhattan clam chowder uses a red, tomato-based broth instead of cream, which many New Englanders reject. Clam chowder is often served with oyster crackers or in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl, which is a San Francisco tradition.

Ingredients

• clams
• potatoes
• onion
• celery
• cream
• bacon