Dante Carrillo
Clam chowder is a popular soup that is typically made with clams, potatoes, and flour. For those on a keto diet, this dish can be modified to be low-carb and gluten-free by replacing the potatoes with low-carb alternatives such as celery root, cauliflower, or radishes, and omitting the flour. The keto version of clam chowder is just as creamy and flavorful as the traditional recipe, and it can be made in less than 30 minutes. Some recipes include additional ingredients such as bacon, heavy cream, and seafood stock. This comforting soup is perfect for cold nights and can be made thicker by adding arrowroot powder or xanthan gum.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrate content | Low-carb |
| Gluten | Gluten-free |
| Texture | Thick |
| Taste | Creamy, Rich, Delicious |
| Ingredients | Clams, Bacon, Celery root, Cauliflower, Seafood stock, Butter, Garlic, Onion, Thyme, Parsley, Salt, Pepper, Clam juice, Almond milk, Heavy cream |
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What You'll Learn
Keto clam chowder ingredients
A traditional clam chowder is made with clams, celery, onions, flour, cream, and potatoes. To make it keto-friendly, you need to replace the high-carb ingredients with low-carb alternatives.
The most important substitution is the replacement of potatoes with a low-carb alternative. Celeriac, also known as celery root, is a popular choice as it is commonly used in classic clam chowder recipes. Other alternatives include cauliflower florets, chopped turnips, rutabaga, radishes, and daikon radish.
Another key substitution is the use of arrowroot powder or xanthan gum instead of flour to thicken the chowder. Arrowroot powder is gluten-free and keto-friendly.
Clam chowder typically includes clams, but you can use canned, fresh or frozen clams. If using canned clams, opt for whole baby clams for the best flavor and texture. You can also substitute clams with other seafood like lobster, shrimp, salmon, or any other firm fish.
Other ingredients in a keto clam chowder include bacon, seafood stock, heavy cream or mascarpone cheese, butter, garlic, onion, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
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Keto clam chowder recipe
Clam chowder is a popular soup, but traditionally, it is not keto-friendly due to the presence of flour and potatoes. However, it is possible to make a keto version by substituting these high-carb ingredients with low-carb alternatives. Here is a recipe for a keto clam chowder that serves as a delicious and filling meal.
Ingredients:
- Bacon
- Butter
- Onion
- Celery
- Red bell pepper
- Garlic
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Heavy cream
- Seafood stock or chicken broth
- Clams (canned or fresh)
- Clam juice
- Bay leaf
- Celery root, cauliflower florets, turnips, rutabaga, or radishes
- Salt and pepper
- Xanthan gum or arrowroot powder (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
- Cook the bacon in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel.
- In the same pot, melt butter and add onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook until softened.
- Add garlic and thyme, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the seafood stock or chicken broth, heavy cream, and clam juice. Bring to a boil.
- Add the clams, celery root or other low-carb vegetable, and parsley. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If desired, thicken the chowder with xanthan gum or arrowroot powder. Start with a small amount (about 1/4 teaspoon) and adjust as needed.
- Serve the chowder with the crispy bacon on top and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- If you want to add some spice, include an andouille sausage.
- For a more potent clam flavour, use bottled clam juice instead of seafood stock.
- If you can't find celery root, you can use cauliflower florets, turnips, rutabaga, or radishes as a substitute.
- If you don't like clams, you can replace them with lobster, shrimp, salmon, or another firm fish.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the clams and use vegetable broth instead of seafood stock.
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Keto clam chowder vs regular clam chowder
Clam chowder is a popular soup that is typically made with clams, potatoes, and flour. However, for those following a keto diet, regular clam chowder is not an option due to its high carb content. Luckily, it is possible to make a keto-friendly version of this comforting dish that is just as tasty and satisfying as the original.
The main difference between keto clam chowder and regular clam chowder is the replacement of potatoes and flour with low-carb alternatives. In the keto version, potatoes are typically substituted with celery root, also known as celeriac, which has a similar texture to potatoes while adding a subtle celery flavour to the soup. Other low-carb alternatives to potatoes include cauliflower florets, chopped turnips, rutabaga, radishes, and daikon radish. These substitutions provide the bulk and heartiness of potatoes without the carbs.
Another key difference between keto and regular clam chowder is the thickening agent used. Regular clam chowder often uses a flour-based roux to achieve a thick, stew-like consistency. In contrast, keto clam chowder omits the flour and instead uses alternative thickeners such as xanthan gum, arrowroot powder, or even cream cheese in small quantities. These thickeners help give the soup a creamy and satisfying texture without adding carbs.
The preparation and cooking methods for keto clam chowder are generally similar to those of regular clam chowder. Both soups typically start by cooking bacon, onion, and garlic in a soup pot or Dutch oven. Clams, clam juice, broth, and the chosen low-carb vegetable substitute are then added, along with seasonings like parsley, thyme, salt and pepper. The main difference in preparation is the omission of flour and the use of low-carb thickeners in the keto version.
Keto clam chowder offers a delicious and satisfying option for those following a keto diet or simply looking for a low-carb alternative to the traditional dish. With its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and flavourful broth, keto clam chowder provides a comforting and indulgent dining experience without compromising dietary restrictions.
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Keto clam chowder with bacon
Yes, you can eat clam chowder on keto, but you will need to make a few adjustments to a traditional clam chowder recipe. Clam chowder is typically made with potatoes and flour, which are high in carbohydrates and not keto-friendly. However, by replacing the potatoes with a low-carb alternative and thickening the chowder without a flour-based roux, you can make a delicious and creamy keto clam chowder.
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 andouille sausage (optional)
- 2 tbsp of butter
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups seafood stock
- 2 10 oz. cans of clams (in clam juice)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups celery root, skinned and chopped (can be omitted or substituted with cauliflower florets, chopped turnips, rutabaga, or radishes)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the bacon in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat until lightly browned but not crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside.
- Drain some of the bacon grease from the pot, leaving at least 3 tbsp in the bottom of the pan.
- Add the butter, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and celery root to the pan. Saute for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant and the onions are translucent.
- Add the heavy cream, seafood stock, clam juice, bay leaf, and celery root to the pan. Mix well and continue cooking over medium heat.
- Once the chowder has reached your desired consistency, add the clams and season with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the clams through.
- Serve the soup warm with bacon pieces and parsley sprinkled on top.
This keto clam chowder is a delicious and creamy option for those following a low-carb or keto diet. The celery root adds a slight hint of celery flavor to the soup, while also providing a low-carb alternative to potatoes. If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum, arrowroot powder, or flour to thicken it. Enjoy this hearty and comforting soup on a cold day!
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Keto clam chowder with seafood stock
Yes, you can eat clam chowder on a keto diet. The classic New England Clam Chowder can be made keto-friendly by replacing the carb-heavy potatoes with low-carb alternatives and thickening it without a flour-based roux.
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 andouille sausage (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 onion
- 1/2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups seafood stock
- 2 10 oz. cans of clams (in clam juice)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups celery root, skinned and chopped (can be omitted)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon.
- Add the butter, garlic, onion, and thyme leaves to the pot and cook until the vegetables are softened.
- Pour in the heavy cream and seafood stock, stirring to combine.
- Add the clams, bay leaf, celery root, and parsley to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the chowder for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the vegetables are tender.
This keto clam chowder is loaded with tender clams, smoky bacon, and hearty celery root, all swimming in a creamy, buttery broth. You can also add some arrowroot powder or xanthan gum to thicken the broth if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and keto-friendly clam chowder!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can eat clam chowder on keto. To make it keto-friendly, replace the potatoes with low-carb alternatives like celery root, cauliflower, or radishes, and omit the flour in a standard roux.
Here is a list of ingredients for a keto clam chowder recipe:
- 6 slices of bacon, diced and cooked
- 1 andouille sausage (optional)
- 2 tbsp of butter
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 onion
- 1/2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cups heavy cream or mascarpone cheese
- 2 cups seafood stock
- 2 10 oz. cans of clams (in clam juice)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups celery root, skinned and chopped (or cauliflower florets, radishes, turnips, rutabaga)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Here are some tips for making keto clam chowder:
- Use whole clams or canned clams, depending on your preference and availability.
- Add the clams last, right before serving, to avoid overcooking them.
- Thicken the chowder with xanthan gum, arrowroot powder, or cream cheese if you prefer a thicker consistency.
- Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for a creamier texture.
