Anyone who likes to spend their holidays in the Mediterranean should have already seen them there in the restaurants and perhaps even tasted them: mussel dishes. Whether served with white wine stock or tomato sauce, they are now popular far beyond the Mediterranean. But there are also mussel recipes that are less well-known in Europe. One of them is clam chowder. Do you know what to serve with clam chowder?
What To Serve With Clam Chowder?
Clam chowder is a hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for a chilly evening. To make your meal even more satisfying, it’s important to choose the right sides to serve with it. Here are some options to consider:
Crusty bread:
A warm and crusty loaf of bread is the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of clam chowder. Dip it into the soup to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Salad:
A light and refreshing salad can help balance out the richness of the chowder. Consider a green salad with crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Oyster crackers:
Oyster crackers are a classic topping for clam chowder and add a nice crunch to the soup. Crush them up and sprinkle them on top, or serve them on the side for people to add to their own bowls.
Baked potatoes:
A baked potato is a filling and delicious side that pairs well with clam chowder. Top the potato with a dollop of butter, some sour cream, and a sprinkle of chives.
Clam cakes:
If you want to keep the seafood theme going, consider serving some clam cakes with your chowder. These fried cakes made with chopped clams and a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices are a tasty and complementary side dish.
Corn on the cob:
Sweet and juicy corn on the cob is a great side for clam chowder, especially in the summer months. Grilled or boiled, it adds a burst of fresh flavor to the meal.
No matter what sides you choose to serve with your clam chowder, make sure to have some extra napkins on hand. The soup can be messy, but it’s well worth it!
What do the words “clam” and “chowder” actually mean?
In the USA, chowder is a thick, rich, and creamy soup. And clam means nothing but shell. Clam chowder is an internationally known and popular American clam chowder. Do you like seafood? Then try my seafood salad.
There are a number of different ways to prepare clam chowder
To be precise, there are two: The rather reddish Manhattan Clam Chowder, because it is made with tomato sauce. And the white-colored Main Clam Chowder – because it is prepared with milk and cream without tomato sauce. This grill recipe is about the latter type of preparation.
What types of mussels do you use for this recipe?
Clam chowder is originally made from large clams. This type of mussel is found on the east coast of America. It is therefore understandable that this type of mussel if it is available locally, is also used. In this country, however, it is not a matter of course to get clams. But on mussels, these are an excellent alternative.
How do I prepare the clams for clam soup?
If fresh mussels, i.e. still living mussels, are used, there are a few important aspects to consider.
In any case, the mussels must be washed first
Simply wash under cold running water (don’t use warm water, otherwise the mussels will open before they are cooked).
Please sort out all the broken mussels!
In particular, mussels that are not sealed and those with a broken shells should be discarded.
Does the delicious mussel taste only come from the mussels?
No, because if you use fresh mussels, you will get a brew after the mussels have been cooked. This gives the clam chowder an extra sea taste. But no worry. Fish stock is a good alternative for those making this recipe with pre-cooked mussels.
What side dishes are there with this dish?
Originally, clam chowder was served with a rusk-like pastry. But you can’t go wrong with toasted bread or baguette either. I can also imagine crispy fried croutons going well with chowder.
Where is the best place to prepare the clam chowder?
Either in the kitchen or on the stove in a large pot. But of course also with pleasure on glowing coals in the Dutch oven in the fresh air. If you want, you can also prepare clam chowder in a pot on the side burner of the gas grill or on the kettle grill.