Things To Eat With Clam Chowder

Clam chowder may be accompanied by boiled or steamed clams.

The term clam chowder refers to a range of clam-based thickened soups and stews, common along the east coast of the United States. Clam chowder comes in several different variations, and is often served on Fridays as a seafood option for Catholics who observe fast days. Several traditional side dishes may be served with clam chowder, depending on the ingredients and type of chowder.

New England Clam Chowder

The variation most commonly served in restaurants, New England clam chowder is a cream- or milk-based chowder also containing potato, onion and flour thickener. Many varieties also include bacon or salt pork cooked in or sprinkled on top. Also called Boston clam chowder, this type is often eaten with oyster crackers, small hexagonal butter crackers similar to saltines. This chowder is often served with corn, cold sandwiches or a cold salad.

Manhattan Clam Chowder

Manhattan clam chowder has similar ingredients to those of New England chowder, but instead of cream or milk, it contains tomatoes. This soup can also be called red chowder or New York clam chowder. The Fannie Farmer Cookbook recommends serving it with crisped salt pork and freshly ground pepper sprinkled on top. Manhattan clam chowder's tomato base complements grilled or cold cheese sandwiches.

Rhode Island Clam Chowder

Rhode Island clam chowder is a regional variation containing no tomatoes, dairy or flour thickener. This soup consists mainly of clams, potatoes, pork and onions in a clear broth. Rhode Island clam chowder is frequently served along with clam cakes, a type of seafood fritter containing eggs, milk, flour, clams, green onions and hot pepper. Diners may eat clam cakes on their own or with tartar sauce.

Minorcan Clam Chowder

According to Salon.com, Minorcan clam chowder is an unusual dish found only in parts of Florida. This spicy, tomato-based dish descends from soups brought to Florida by Spanish immigrants. In addition to the traditional clams, potatoes, pork and onion, Minorcan clam chowder also contains tomatoes, diced bell peppers and spicy habanero or datil peppers. This dish goes well with southern-style skillet cornbread or Mediterranean sides such as olives.

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