New England Clam-less Chowder

Submitted by TishT

"Tofu stands in for the clams in this classic soup"

 

• Ready In: 50mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Serves: 6-8

ingredients

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce or 2 teaspoons tamari
• 4 ounces firm tofu, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon soy margarine
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery ribs, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons unbleached white flour
• 4 cups vegetable stock or 4 cups water
• 3 medium potatoes, scrubbed and diced
• 3 cups fresh corn kernels
• 1⁄4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1⁄4 teaspoon dried summer savory or 1/4 teaspoon marjoram
• 2 cups low-fat milk or 2 cups soymilk (or as needed)
• salt and pepper

directions

1. Heat the oil and soy sauce or tmari slowly in a medium sized skillet.
2. Stir the diced tofu in quickly to coat, then turn the heat up to medium high.
3. Saute stirring frequently until browned and crisp on all sides, about 12- 15 miuntes.
4. When done, remove from the heat and set aside until needed In the meantime, heat the margarine in a soup pot.
5. Add the onion and celery and and saute over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is golden, about 10 minutes.
6. Sprinkle in the flour a little at a time.
7. Slowly stir in the stock or water, then add the potato dice, corn kernels and dried herbs.
8. Bring to a simmer, then simmer gently, covered, until the potatoes are tender and the corn kernels are done, about 20- 25 minutes.
9. With the back of a wooden spoon, mash a small amount of the potatoes to thicken the base.
10. Then add milk or soy milk as needed.
11. The soup should be simithick but will not be too dense.
12. Slowly bring to a gentle simmer, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
13. If time allows, let the soup stand off the heat for an hour or two before serving, then heat through as needed.

Reviews

[Mad Maryno]

Maybe if you add kelp powder in, it shall taste like the sea

 

[Roosie]

Wow! I wasn't sure about this, but I figured it was worth a shot and I was delighfully surprised at how very well it turned out! I will be honest here and admit that I cannot recall ever having clam chowder in my life, but my New England-born boyfriend has and he gave this the thumbs-up too! I made a half recipe, but doubled the amount of tofu. The pan-frying gave it a delightful chewy texture and a nice flavor (it really lost the beany tofu flavor too). I did substitute half the soy sauce called for for fish sauce (we're not vegan/vegetarian and I thought it would add a bit of nice fishy flavor, which it did). I think this is a fabulous way to prepare tofu. I am always excited to try non-Asianic tofu recipes- one can only take so many slabs of tofu with soy sauce. BF said that most clam chowders he's had have been thicker than this, and I think it would be nice to be a tad thicker too. (It was a bit thick, but not very). So next time I may add less broth or more flour or more potatoes. I am considering experimenting with this some- like adding part clam juice for the broth or even trying to add some seaweed (like maybe Kombu) for more "sea" flavor. Overall, an exellent recipe with very good flavor and texture. I highly recommend and I will make again!