Is chowder a soup? This is one question that has been asked for as long as I can remember. Some believe it is because it is a thick broth-based stew, while others argue it is because the ingredients do not allow for a true broth.
So is chowder a soup? Chowder is most certainly a soup. A chowder is a thick stew of ingredients made in a pot, simmered together slowly with broth or water, and served piping hot with crackers on the side. This definition fits almost any chowder you might find in classic cookbooks.
Chowders are traditionally composed of clams, fish, potatoes, and onions cooked together in milk or cream. This definition is not too far off from the regular definitions of “soup,” but chowders are usually thicker than soups, and the ingredients are cut into larger pieces than you would find in a classic soup.
Chowder – A Soup
Chowder is a soup. Like other soups, chowders are generally served in a bowl with crackers or bread on the side.
Chowder is traditionally made with chunks of potato, onion, and clams or fish cooked in milk or cream.
Chowder is usually thick like stew, but it is still considered a soup because the primary ingredient is broth or water, giving chowders most of their flavor.
Chowders are most commonly made with clams, fish (both saltwater and freshwater), lobster, or vegetables like corn or potatoes.
The ingredients are cut into larger pieces than you would find in a classic soup, but this does not disqualify the food from being called a soup.
In conclusion, chowder is most certainly a soup. It falls into that very vague category of “soups” along with other hearty stews like gumbo, beef stew, and minestrone. Chowder is thick but still includes broth to give the dish most of its flavor.
What Makes Soup Chowder?
Soup is a thick, savory liquid food. It covers a wide variety of stews and broths composed primarily of meat and vegetables.
So what makes chowder soup? In the original sense, chowder was a type of fish stew that originated in New England. Over time, this word has been used to describe any thick stew in the United States.
So in the United States, chowder is any thick soup made with fish or clams. But it does not have to be a seafood chowder – people make all sorts of non-seafood chowders, including clam, corn, lobster, and even chicken chowder!
Why Is A Soup Called Chowder?
The term “chowder” is used to describe any thick, hearty soup made with fish or clams. The word “chowder” originates from the French word for cauldron, a large cooking pot similar to what people use today for clam chowder.
Chowders are typically thick with potatoes and onions as primary ingredients. However, depending on the recipe, they can also include any number of other vegetables, meats, and fish products.
In America, chowder is often used to describe a thick seafood soup or stew made with clams or fish stock.
There are plenty of other dishes that use the word “chowder” in their name, including a number of creamy soup recipes, but the most well-known food using this title is a thick chowder made with clams.
Is Clam Chowder A Soup?
Clam chowder can be a soup. The term “chowder” is used to describe any hearty stew or soup made with seafood and thickened with flour, cream, or some other starch.
The word “clam chowder” was first used in the early 19th century to describe a dish that was popular along the East Coast, and this soup was typically made with clams, cream, and onions.
Today, chowder is used to describe a variety of thick soups and stews that can be made using different ingredients, including any type of seafood or vegetables.
How To Make A Chowder Soup?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make clam chowder:
Step 1: Gather the ingredients:
- 3 cups of broth, vegetable juice, or water
- 1 cup of chopped onions
- 1 cup of diced potatoes (cubed)
- Two cloves of garlic (minced)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (sliced and cubed)
- 16 ounces clams (chopped)
- 2 tbsp butter (sliced and softened)
- One loaf of bread (cut into cubes for dunking in chowder or to serve on the side)
Step 2: Bring vegetable juice, water, and broth to a boil. Add butter and garlic to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Next, add the onion and potato to the pot, cover it with a lid, and simmer for 5-8 minutes or until soft potatoes. Remove pot from heat.
Step 3: Add cream cheese, clams, pepper to taste, shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, mix well with a spoon. Serve hot with bread.
Now you have a delicious bowl of clam chowder!
Is Chowder Healthy?
Chowders are typically made by combining vegetables, cream, and seafood in a stew-like boiled dish. These types of recipes can vary greatly depending on the ingredients used, so it is hard to determine if chowder is healthy or not.
As for clam chowder specifically, this recipe often includes potatoes that are high in carbohydrates but low in protein and fat. Clams are also low in calories but contain high amounts of sodium, so some consider it unhealthy.
Although chowder may not be the healthiest meal out there, it can be rewarding to savor a bowl of your favorite chowder every once in a while.
What Are Examples Of Other Types Of Chowders?
Chowder can refer to different types of soups and stews. Some of the most common examples include:
- Clam Chowder: A thick soup made with clams, cream, and potatoes
- Fish Chowder: A stew made with fish and vegetables such as potatoes or corn
- Chicken Chowder: A creamy chicken-based soup or stew often made with corn and vegetables
- Corn Chowder: A thick soup made with cream, milk, cheese, potatoes, and corn (This recipe is a bit more similar to a cream-based soup rather than chowder.)
- Lobster Chowder: A thick creamy stew or soup that is made with lobster meat as a primary ingredient
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chowder is a soup that can be made using a wide variety of ingredients. It’s a great fall or winter soup. However, it is usually thick and hearty, so it is best if eaten on a cold day.
