Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Preparation Time
- Nutrition
- Instructions
- Tips and Variations
- FAQ
- Reflection Questions
- Conclusion
Classic Creamy Clam Chowder Recipe: The Best New England Clam Chowder
### Creamy Clam Chowder for Busy Nights
If you’re craving a comforting meal that’s both hearty and quick, this Clam Chowder recipe is exactly what you need. Made with tender clams, crispy bacon, and creamy potatoes, it hits all the right notes for an easy weeknight dinner or cozy weekend treat. As an experienced home cook, I found that keeping the recipe straightforward lets the fresh flavors shine through. What’s your biggest cooking challenge when trying hearty soups like this? Let’s dive in and make some magic in the kitchen together!
Ingredients
- 6 ounces bacon (diced; salt pork can be used for a more traditional flavor)
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 6 celery stalks (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups clam juice (from 4 8-oz bottles or reserved from steaming clams)
- 2 cups water
- 1 large sprig thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 pounds red skin potatoes (diced)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
- 1 ½ cups clams, finely chopped (from 3 6.5-ounce cans or about 6 lbs fresh clams in-shell)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- Fresh chives or parsley (minced, optional)
- Kosher salt (only as needed)
- Crusty bread (optional, for serving)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 604 kcal
- Fat: 41 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Sodium: 815 mg
Instructions
- 1. Add diced bacon to a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and cook about 10 minutes, until crispy.
- 2. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pot; discard the rest.
- 3. Add chopped onions and celery; cook for 8 minutes until translucent.
- 4. Stir in minced garlic; cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- 5. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute (double flour for thicker chowder).
- 6. Pour in clam juice, water, thyme sprig, bay leaf, and diced potatoes.
- 7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer; season with black pepper, cover, and cook 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- 8. Remove from heat; stir in chopped clams, reserved bacon (keep some for garnish), heavy cream, and fresh chives or parsley.
- 9. Discard bay leaf and thyme sprig; taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper as needed.
- 10. Serve hot, garnished with reserved bacon and herbs, alongside crusty bread if desired.
Tips and Variations
For an authentic New England clam chowder recipe, using salt pork instead of bacon adds a traditional flavor, but bacon works beautifully and adds a smoky crispiness. If you prefer a thicker chowder, double the flour amount in step 5 — this easy clam chowder recipe adapts well. To switch it up, try manhattan clam chowder or red clam chowder recipes, which use tomato bases instead of cream. For a fun presentation, serve your chowder in a clam chowder bread bowl like those found at clam chowder at Trader Joe’s. When fresh clams aren’t available, canned clams or clam chowder in a can are good substitutes. Wondering how to fix a bland chowder? Adding fresh thyme or a squeeze of lemon can brighten the flavors. This recipe is a great way to explore clam chowder origin and enjoy a 5 star clam chowder recipe at home. How do you adapt your recipes to suit your taste?
FAQ
What is clam chowder?
Clam chowder is a creamy or tomato-based soup featuring clams, potatoes, onions, and celery, popular especially in New England.
Is clam chowder healthy?
Clam chowder can be part of a balanced diet but is often high in fat and sodium due to cream and bacon; moderation is key.
Can someone with a nut allergy eat clam chowder?
Yes, clam chowder is typically nut-free, but always check ingredient labels for any processed items.
Can you freeze clam chowder?
Yes, you can freeze clam chowder in airtight containers, best consumed within 2 months for flavor and safety.
Is clam chowder fattening?
It contains calories and fat, so while it’s rich and filling, enjoy it in moderation if watching your calorie intake.
What are the two main types of clam chowder?
The two main types are New England clam chowder (creamy) and Manhattan clam chowder (tomato-based).
Can I use milk instead of cream for chowder?
Yes, milk can be used but the chowder will be less rich and creamy compared to using heavy cream.
What are the main ingredients in clam chowder?
The main ingredients are clams, potatoes, onions, celery, bacon or salt pork, and cream or tomato base.
What herbs go in clam chowder?
Typical herbs include thyme, bay leaves, and fresh chives or parsley for garnish.
How do you fix bland chowder?
To fix bland chowder, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, more salt and pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Reflection Questions
- What is one cooking habit you want to improve when making soups like clam chowder?
- How do you adjust recipes to fit your family’s taste preferences?
- Have you ever tried making chowder from scratch before, and how did it turn out?
Conclusion
Clam chowder is a rich, comforting soup that’s perfect for bringing family and friends together. From the crispy bacon to the tender clams and creamy broth, this New England clam chowder recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction. Remember, exploring variations like Manhattan clam chowder or serving in a clam chowder bread bowl can add fun twists to your cooking. Try this recipe, share your results on social media, and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes. As an experienced home cook with a passion for seafood recipes, I’m here to support your culinary adventures! Mind-Map Summary: 1) Select fresh ingredients → 2) Master the sauté base → 3) Perfect the simmer → 4) Taste and adjust seasoning → 5) Enjoy and share.
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