Print

Creamy Low-Carb Clam Chowder

creamy low-carb clam chowder - featured image

A warm, cozy, and creamy clam chowder that is low in carbs and perfect for a healthy comfort meal. This recipe uses cauliflower instead of potatoes and coconut milk for richness without heaviness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) fresh littleneck or cherrystone clams, cleaned and scrubbed
  • 2 cups (300g) cauliflower florets, chopped small
  • 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened coconut milk (full fat recommended)
  • 2 cups (480ml) chicken or vegetable broth, low sodium preferred
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 whole bay leaf
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Rinse the clams under cold water, scrubbing off any grit. Chop the cauliflower into small florets. Dice the onion, celery, and mince the garlic.
  2. In a large soup pot over medium heat, melt the butter until foamy. Add onions and celery, cooking until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme; stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the cauliflower florets and pour in the broth. Add the bay leaf and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
  4. Add the clams to the pot, cover, and let them steam open, about 5 minutes. Discard any clams that don’t open.
  5. Optional: Remove about half the chowder (cauliflower and broth) and blend until smooth for an ultra-creamy texture. Return to pot and stir in the coconut milk.
  6. Stir in the coconut milk, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and add the fresh lemon juice. Remove the bay leaf.
  7. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

If chowder is too thick, add more broth or coconut milk. If too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce. Add coconut milk near the end to prevent separation. Watch clams carefully to avoid overcooking and rubbery texture. Fresh clams are preferred; frozen or canned clams can be used with adjustments.

Nutrition

Keywords: clam chowder, low-carb, creamy soup, healthy comfort food, keto chowder, cauliflower chowder, coconut milk chowder