Chowder is a type of soup or stew that is popular in many parts of the world. Common ingredients used in chowder include clams, quahogs, potatoes, and softshell clams. Clams are a type of mollusk with a hard shell, and quahogs are a type of large CLAM found in the Atlantic Ocean. Potatoes are a starchy vegetable that can be boiled, mashed, or fried. Softshell clams are a type of CLAM that has a thin, brittle shell. All of these ingredients are commonly used to make chowder.