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Clam Chowder
SoupsDinnerHealthy Eating

Clam Chowder

Stewart Lucas
By Stewart Lucas, Chief Culinary Specialist
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel Evans, RDN, LDNPublished: September 1, 2024Last Updated: June 15, 2026
35 mins
Easy
4 Servings
★★★★★ 4.9 (52 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 4 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Clam Chowder offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Ready in just 35 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
  • ✓Delivers 29g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 483 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Clam Chowder offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Clam Chowder to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Clam Chowder, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

Ingredients & Measurements

  • 1 c. onion, finely chopped
  • 1 c. celery, finely diced
  • 2 c. potatoes, finely diced
  • 2 cans (6 1/2 oz. each) chopped

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

  • Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
  • Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

clams, undrained 3/4 c. butter or margarine 3/4 c. flour 1 qt. half and half 1 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper (Note: When in a hurry I have used a package of frozen O'Brien potatoes in place of vegetables.) Combine vegetables in small saucepan

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Drain clams; pour juice over vegetables; add enough water to barely cover

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Cook uncovered until tender about 15 minutes

Step 4: Technique & Execution

In meantime, melt butter in large, heavy saucepan

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Stir in flour until blended and bubbly

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Remove from heat; stir in cream until smooth and blended

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories483 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein29gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates27gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat22gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Clam Chowder

This chef-curated Clam Chowder offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

★★★★★4.9 from 52 votes
Clam Chowder
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories24% DV
483 kcal
Protein58% DV
29g
Fat28% DV
22g
Carbs10% DV
27g
Scale Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredient Substitutions

Original IngredientHealthy Alternative
Animal proteinFirm tofu, tempeh, or organic chickpeas
Cooking fatExtra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter

Instructions

1

Technique & Execution: clams, undrained 3/4 c. butter or margarine 3/4 c. flour 1 qt. half and half 1 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper (Note: When in a hurry I have used a package of frozen O'Brien potatoes in place of vegetables.) Combine vegetables in small saucepan

2

Technique & Execution: Drain clams; pour juice over vegetables; add enough water to barely cover

3

Technique & Execution: Cook uncovered until tender about 15 minutes

15:00
4

Technique & Execution: In meantime, melt butter in large, heavy saucepan

5

Technique & Execution: Stir in flour until blended and bubbly

6

Technique & Execution: Remove from heat; stir in cream until smooth and blended

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Heat in a saucepan or skillet on medium heat until hot throughout.
  • Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼

Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?▼

All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!

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Stewart Lucas

Stewart Lucas

Chief Culinary Specialist

Stewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.

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