New England Clam Chowder - PCOS-Friendly Recipe

Servings: 8

Lunch

This New England Clam Chowder is a PCOS-friendly recipe.

Nutrition per Serving

0 Calories

0g Protein

0g Carbs

0g Fat

Recipe by Mary-Frances Heck If fresh clams are unavailable (or you're running short on time), substitute two 10-ounce cans of baby clams and 6 cups of bottled clam juice.

Ingredients

8 pounds cherrystone clams, scrubbed
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
8 ounces bacon, cut into 1/2" pieces
2 celery stalks, minced
1 large onion, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 1/2 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2" pieces
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups heavy cream
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
1 freshly ground pepper
Chopped fresh chives
Oyster crackers or Vermont Common Crackers

Instructions

Bring clams and 4 cups water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Cook until clams just open, 8-10 minutes (discard any that do not open). Using a large slotted spoon, transfer clams to a large rimmed baking sheet; set broth aside. Let clams cool slightly, then pull meat from shells; discard shells.
Chop clams into bite-size pieces. Strain broth through a fine-mesh sieve set over a large bowl. Add water if needed to measure 6 cups. DO AHEAD: Clams and broth can be made 1 day ahead. Cover separately and chill.
Melt butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until fat is rendered and bacon begins to brown, about 8 minutes. Add celery, onion, and garlic and cook, stirring often, until onion is translucent, about 10 minutes. Add reserved broth (or 6 cups bottled clam juice), potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring chowder base to a simmer; cook until potatoes are tender, 20-25 minutes. Stir cornstarch and 2 Tbsp. water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Stir slurry into chowder base; return to a boil to thicken. DO AHEAD: Base can be made 1 day ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Keep clams chilled. Bring base to a simmer before continuing.
Remove base from heat. Discard bay leaf. Stir in reserved clams (or two 10-ounce cans baby clams) and cream. Season with salt, if needed (clams' brininess varies), and pepper.
Divide chowder among bowls. Garnish with chives and oyster crackers.

You Have a Recipe. But Do You Have a Full Week?

One great recipe is a start. A complete PCOS meal plan is a system. Here is how to go from one meal to a full week of eating that supports your hormones.

Take the 60-Second Quiz Tell us your PCOS type, preferences, and goals

Get Your 7-Day Meal Plan Personalized meals, grocery list, and prep schedule

Stop Guessing Every Day Know exactly what to eat, with recipes like this one built in

Build My Meal Plan

Free. Personalized. No signup required to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New England Clam Chowder good for PCOS?

Yes, this New England Clam Chowder recipe is designed to be PCOS-friendly., it supports balanced blood sugar and hormonal health.

Can I eat this for Lunch with PCOS?

Yes, this recipe works well as a PCOS-friendly Lunch. Pair it with other PCOS-friendly foods throughout the day for balanced nutrition.

How do I fit this recipe into a PCOS meal plan?

This recipe can be part of a structured PCOS meal plan. It makes 8 servings, making it great for meal prep. For a complete weekly plan tailored to your PCOS type, take our free 60-second quiz at pcosmealplanner.com/pcos-quiz to get a personalized 7-day meal plan.

Comments

Cook Another PCOS-Friendly Lunch

Each recipe you add to your rotation makes PCOS management easier. Variety keeps you from getting bored and quitting.

PCOS Friendly Garlic Butter Naan Bread PCOS Friendly Piadina Romagnola Recipe PCOS-Friendly Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread) PCOS-Friendly Pão Alentejano (Portuguese Country Bread) PCOS-Friendly Parotta (Indian Layered Flatbread) PCOS-Friendly Pan de Bono (Colombian Cheese Bread)

Browse All Lunch Recipes