Cauliflower Clam Chowder (Low Calorie)

Ingredients and Weight:

• Cauliflower: 500 grams
• Clams: 250 grams (fresh or canned)
• Low-fat milk: 500 ml
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• All-purpose flour: 3 tablespoons
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• White pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (for authentic flavor)
• Onion: 1 small, chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Bacon bits or vegan bacon: 50 grams (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot, boil the cauliflower in salted water until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, and whisk until combined.
5. Gradually add the low-fat milk, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
6. Add the cooked cauliflower and clams, and season with salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Top with bacon bits (if using) and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until bubbling and slightly browned on top.
8. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs (e.g., chopped parsley).

Nutritional Information: (Per serving - varies depending on final preparation)

• Calories: Approx. 250 calories per serving (based on using low-fat milk and limited butter)
• Fat: Approx. 12 grams
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 30 grams
• Protein: Approx. 18 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and rich in flavor, yet low in calories due to the use of low-fat milk and limited butter.
• Combines the flavors of cauliflower and clams, creating a unique and satisfying dish.
• The addition of bacon bits enhances the flavor profile, but can be omitted for a vegetarian option.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was delicious! The combination of cauliflower and clams was unexpected but really worked well together."
2. "I loved the creamy texture and rich flavor of this chowder. The low-calorie version was still very satisfying."
3. "I omitted the bacon bits to make it vegetarian-friendly, and it was still tasty."
4. "The dish was a bit time-consuming to prepare, but it was worth it in the end."
5. "This is a great dish for a cold winter night. It's comforting and filling without being too heavy."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh clams if possible for the best flavor. If using canned clams, choose a brand with minimal added ingredients.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste preference. Some may prefer to add more salt or pepper to enhance flavor.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon bits or use vegan bacon alternatives.