Manhattan vs New England Clam Chowder | Goldbelly (2024)

FAQs

Which is better, Manhattan or New England clam chowder? ›

Manhattan Clam Chowder is healthier than New England Clam Chowder. Manhattan Clam Chowder is lower in calories and fat. It is more nutritious thanks to its vitamin-rich tomato-based broth and abundance of veggies. New England clam chowder is higher in calories and fat because of its heavy cream-based broth.

Manhattan chowder typically contains more vegetables than New England chowder, namely onions, celery, sometimes green bell peppers, and potatoes. Some recipes also call for flavorings like chopped garlic or fresh herbs such as thyme.

Also referred to as “Boston-style” clam chowder, New England chowder is milk or cream-based, making it significantly thicker than other regional styles. It's often made with milk, butter, potatoes, pork, onion, and clams and accompanied by oyster crackers.

Introduction of the Tomato – Tomato-based clam chowders came about with the new-found popularity of the tomato in the mid-1800s and the large population of Italians in New York and the Portuguese fishing communities of Rhode Island. By the 1930s, this tomato version had come to be called Manhattan clam chowder.

New England clam chowder is perhaps the most popular and well-known iteration of the dish. It's a classic combination of clams, onions, corn, celery, bacon or salt pork, and potatoes.

Many regional variations exist, but the three most prevalent are New England or "white" clam chowder, which includes milk or cream, Manhattan or "red" clam chowder, which includes tomatoes, and Rhode Island or "clear" clam chowder, which omits both.

Maine and Massachusetts may be the two states most associated with the cream-based clam chowder. In fact, it is known as one of Maine's most iconic dishes and is considered a classic in Boston's historic neighborhoods.

Add drained conch and 3 quarts of water to soup pot along with potatoes, tomato puree, tomato paste, oregano, basil, bay leaves and hot pepper sauce. Put soup pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until conch are tender and potatoes are cooked.

The word chowder is a corruption of the French chaudière (“cauldron”), and chowder may have originated among Breton fishermen who brought the custom to Newfoundland, whence it spread to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and New England.

Just be sure to avoid using any prohibited ingredients in cooking, such as wine in fish broth or bacon in clam chowder. For cooking, use whole ingredients like vegetables and grains, and when using partially processed foods like broth or sauces, carefully check the ingredients and look for a Halal seal.

Is it illegal to put tomatoes in clam chowder in Massachusetts? ›

Please save that tomato thing for your Manhattan style. I will say that the fact that it's illegal to put tomatoes in New England clam chowder seems a bit dramatic, but I'm all for keeping this funny, classic Commonwealth of Massachusetts law on the books. It's not hurting anyone.

New England clam chowder (also known as Boston clam chowder) is creamy thanks to milk or heavy cream, which gives it that recognizable white color. It's thick and made with clams, potatoes, and onions; sometimes, it includes salt pork.

Manhattan Style Clam Chowder

It is usually served with crackers or oyster crackers and a dollop of butter. Manhattan clam chowder is a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for chilly days. It is a healthier alternative to New England clam chowder, as it is lower in fat and calories.

that's chowda with an A, not an er.

Chowdah: Bostonians love their clam chowder, and often pronounce the word as "chowdah."

What Is Clam Chowder Supposed to Taste Like? New England clam chowder is a mix of creamy soup and briny, salty, chewy clams. This is complemented with soft onions, celery, and cubed potatoes. Seasonings like pepper enhance the soup, preventing it from being bland.

Manhattan Clam Chowder serves tasty clams, potatoes, and vegetables in a slightly spicy tomato base. Serve with a salad or crusty bread.

You can go for oyster crackers, warm sourdough bread, salad, french fries… the list goes on. This tasty soup is packed with clam lumps and tender potatoes. It is not only filling and indulgent – but quite easy to make.