A serving size of 1 cup (245 g) of New England Clam Chowder contains approximately 190 calories. This hearty soup is a favorite in the region it is named after due to its creamy texture and savory taste.

Apart from being a delicious comfort food, New England Clam Chowder also has nutritional benefits. It is high in protein, minerals, and vitamins. A serving of this soup provides approximately 7 grams of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. It also contains vitamin B12, which helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells.

In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies on how to enjoy New England Clam Chowder to the fullest.

Calories in a serving of New England Clam Chowder

A serving size of 1 cup (245 g) of New England Clam Chowder contains approximately 190 calories. This calorie count can vary depending on the ingredients used in the recipe, such as the amount of cream and butter. If you're watching your calorie intake, you can opt for a lighter version of this soup. Low-fat milk or yogurt can replace the cream to decrease the calorie count.

Serving size of New England Clam Chowder

A standard serving size of New England Clam Chowder is 1 cup (245 g). However, you can change the serving size to suit your needs. If you're serving it as a main meal, you can increase the serving size or pair it with a side salad or crusty bread. On the other hand, if you're serving it as a starter or side dish, you can decrease the serving size to avoid overeating.

Macronutrients in New England Clam Chowder

A serving of 1 cup (245 g) of New England Clam Chowder contains approximately 10 grams of fat, 21 grams of carbohydrates, and 7 grams of protein. The fat content comes from the cream and butter used to thicken the soup, while the carbohydrates come from the potatoes and onions. If you're looking to increase your protein intake, you can add more clams or serve the soup with grilled chicken or fish.

Micronutrients in New England Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder is also a good source of micronutrients. A serving of this soup provides approximately 7% of the daily recommended intake of calcium, 15% of the daily recommended intake of iron, and 30% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C. Calcium is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, while iron is necessary for the formation of red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Vitamin C helps boost the immune system and improve skin health.

Benefits of consuming New England Clam Chowder

Consuming New England Clam Chowder can provide several benefits for your health. It is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. It also contains micronutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamin C that can improve overall health. Research has also suggested that consuming clams can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

Drawbacks of consuming New England Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder can be high in calories and fat, particularly if made with heavy cream and butter. This can be a drawback if you're trying to maintain a healthy weight or control your cholesterol levels. If you have a shellfish allergy or intolerance, consuming New England Clam Chowder can also cause adverse reactions.

Variations of New England Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less cream or water. You can also add additional ingredients like bacon, corn, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor. If you're looking for a healthier version of this soup, you can substitute low-fat milk or yogurt for the cream. You can also swap out the potatoes for cauliflower or squash to reduce the carbohydrate content.

Cooking tips for New England Clam Chowder

To make the perfect New England Clam Chowder, start by cooking the bacon until crispy. Then, sauté onion and celery in the bacon fat until softened. Add flour and stir until coated. Next, add clam juice, potatoes, and thyme, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer until the potatoes are tender. Finally, add the clams and cream and heat until warmed through. To make this soup even more flavorful, use fresh clams instead of canned ones. This will give the soup a more authentic taste and texture.

Storage guidelines for New England Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until warmed through. If the soup is too thick, you can add more water or broth to thin it out. You can also freeze New England Clam Chowder for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some room at the top for expansion. When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.

Recipes that use New England Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder can be used as a base for several other delicious recipes. You can use it as a filling for pot pie or as a sauce for pasta. You can also use it as a dip for veggies or as a topping for baked potatoes. One popular recipe is Clam Chowder Bread Bowl, where the soup is served inside a hollowed-out bread bowl. This recipe is perfect for parties or casual gatherings.