A chowder is a type of soup that is typically rich and creamy, and often contains seafood and potatoes. Chowders are usually thickened with flour and cream, and can also include vegetables, meats, or even be vegetarian. The main difference between chowder and other types of soup is the use of a thickening agent, such as flour and cream, to create a thicker consistency. Chowders can also be chunkier than other soups, with diced or chopped ingredients left intact for a heartier final result. While chowders are typically creamy, Manhattan clam chowder is an exception, as it has a tomato base instead. In summary, a soup can be considered a chowder if it meets the following criteria:
- It is thickened with flour and cream
- It contains seafood and/or vegetables
- It has a chunky consistency with diced or chopped ingredients left intact.
