Chowder Cooking Techniques - Secrets to a Delicious Chowder Dish

Traditionally-delicious chowder is one that is based with cream. It carries the first and original ingredients used by the first settlers. If you want to put tradition into your table, you need the basic onion, potatoes, diced carrots, cream, clams and celery. These are the ingredients composing the first secret.

Potatoes are important in a chowder, but regardless of how you cut them, don't peel the skin away. With skin included, it will enhance taste, texture and provide more nutrients in your dish. Some use red potatoes; their firm and waxy nature can also add texture and delicacy. Even after they are cooked, they become creamy without losing their shape.

The other secret to successful chowder is the stock. Either you buy a jar of clam broth base in the supermarket or make your own; the right saltiness is what will give your clam chowder its deep, tasty and well-seasoned flavor. If you're using roux, make sure the stock is well-heated before whisking into the flour mixture. Bring to a boil once while continuously whisking then simmer for not more than 10 minutes. When using corn, you may omit using thickener. Blending the corn with the potatoes will thicken the whole entree.

Since herbs can make a great difference in any dish, you can try at least three or four different combinations for your clam chowder. This is your chance to discover which herb is best for your clam chowder recipe. If you enjoy exploring new tastes, you will find it fun how each of the herbs you use imparts different aroma in your chowder dishes. Parsley, thyme, bay leaf and pepper are your best choices for a hint of spicy warmth to chowder.

Adding new ingredients can be very surprising. The blend of cheese, garlic and carrot makes one of the most appetizing clam chowder. A little red wine vinegar can also serve extra flavor. You can use or skip salt pork, use less or a lot of butter, with or without flour, cheesy or not, you decide. But whatever recipe you pick, a delicious chowder dish requires superior seafood products that are fresh and from a reputable source. It is top secret!

For all these tips to work together, make sure to cook chowder in a consistent low heat. It is important not to go far this time to bring that beautiful chowder soup to its flavor potential, balanced texture and smoothness.