Salem Tavern Maryland Corn Chowder

Salem Tavern Maryland Corn Chowder Recipe - A Classic American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Salem Tavern Maryland Corn Chowder is a hearty and delicious soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is packed with flavor and is sure to warm you up on a cold day.

History

This recipe has its roots in the historic Salem Tavern in Maryland, where it was a popular dish among locals and visitors alike. The rich and creamy chowder has been a favorite for generations and continues to be a beloved comfort food today.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) diced bacon
0.5 lb (227 g) diced onion
0.75 cup flour
10.75 cup chicken stock (or bouillon)
4 cup creamed corn
salt to taste
0.5 tbsp black pepper
pinch of oregano
1 lb (454 g) fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 lb (454 g) peeled, finely diced potatoes
2.75 cup heavy cream
hot pepper sauce, to taste

How to prepare

In a large soup pot, sauté the bacon and onion until the onion is tender.
Add the flour and reduce the heat to low.
Cook, stirring, for about 7 minutes.
Do not allow the flour to brown.
Blend in the stock, stirring well.
Add the creamed corn, salt, pepper, and oregano.
Bring the soup to a boil.
Add the potatoes, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
Add the corn and hot sauce.
Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
Stir in the cream, heat through, and serve.
Enjoy.

Variations

Add diced carrots or celery for extra vegetables.
Use seafood such as shrimp or crab instead of bacon for a different flavor profile.
Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream for a lighter version of the chowder.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the bacon and onion until the onion is tender to ensure a flavorful base for the chowder.

- Stir the flour constantly to prevent it from browning and creating a burnt taste in the soup.

- Adjust the hot pepper sauce to your desired level of spiciness.

- Taste the chowder before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chowder with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the potatoes until they are tender to ensure a creamy and smooth texture.

- Stir the chowder frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon as a substitute for pork bacon.

- Substitute vegetable broth for the bouillon for a vegetarian version of the chowder.

Make Ahead Tips

This chowder can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the chowder with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color. Serve it in a bread bowl for a fun and creative presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This chowder pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or a light lager beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chowder on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Salem Tavern Maryland Corn Chowder contains around 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, mainly from the corn, potatoes, and cream. Each serving provides approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The bacon and heavy cream in this chowder contribute to its fat content. Each serving contains around 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

The bacon and creamed corn add protein to this dish. Each serving provides approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This chowder is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and iron from the vegetables and cream. It also contains calcium and vitamin A from the creamed corn.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream) and pork (bacon), which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Overall, this chowder is a rich and satisfying dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is a comforting meal that is perfect for a chilly evening.

Summary

Salem Tavern Maryland Corn Chowder is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with flavor and hearty ingredients, this chowder is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was an old, weathered piece of paper tucked away in the back of my grandmother's recipe box. The title, "Salem Tavern Maryland Corn Chowder," caught my eye and I knew I had to give it a try.

I asked my grandmother where she had gotten the recipe from, but she couldn't remember. She told me that it had been passed down to her from her own grandmother, who had been a cook at the historic Salem Tavern in Maryland many years ago.

I was fascinated by the idea of recreating a dish from such a storied place, and so I set out to make the chowder. The ingredients were simple enough - fresh corn, potatoes, bacon, and cream - but the method was more complicated than any soup I had ever made before.

I spent hours in the kitchen, carefully following the instructions on the faded recipe card. I roasted the corn until it was golden brown, simmered the potatoes in a rich broth, and crisped the bacon to perfection. As the chowder bubbled away on the stove, the scent of smoky bacon and sweet corn filled the air.

When the chowder was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and sat down at the table to taste my creation. The first spoonful was like a burst of flavor in my mouth - creamy and decadent, with a hint of sweetness from the corn and a smoky undertone from the bacon. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had stumbled upon a true gem of a recipe.

From that day on, Salem Tavern Maryland Corn Chowder became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home. Each time I served it, I felt a connection to my grandmother and her grandmother before her, who had lovingly prepared this dish in the kitchens of Salem Tavern so many years ago.

As the years passed, I continued to hone my skills as a cook, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to make the chowder my own. I added fresh herbs from my garden, a splash of sherry for depth of flavor, and a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.

But no matter how many times I tweaked the recipe, the heart of it remained the same - a simple, comforting soup that captured the essence of Maryland's culinary history. It was a dish that brought people together, warmed them from the inside out, and left them craving more.

Now, as I sit here writing this story, I can't help but smile at the memories that this recipe has brought me. It's a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, to our loved ones, and to the places that have shaped us.

So if you ever find yourself in need of a little comfort and warmth, I urge you to give Salem Tavern Maryland Corn Chowder a try. It may just become a favorite in your own family, as it has in mine.