Classic Clam Chowder Recipe

Introduction

Clam Chowder is a classic New England soup that is hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor. It is made with fresh clams, potatoes, celery, onions, and bacon, and is perfect for a cozy evening with family and friends. In this blog post, we will show you how to make the best Clam Chowder with this easy recipe.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need:

• 1 kg clams, cleaned and scrubbed
• 2 cups water
• 4 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, add the clams and water. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until the clams open, about 5-8 minutes. Discard any clams that do not open. Remove the clams from the pot and set aside. Strain the clam broth through a fine-mesh strainer and set aside.

2. In the same pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the potatoes and celery, and cook for another 5 minutes.

3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the flour is lightly browned. Gradually add the reserved clam broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the thyme and bay leaf.

4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

5. Add the milk and cream, and stir to combine. Add the clams and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve hot with some crusty bread or in a bread bowl.

Variations

• Vegetarian Clam Chowder: Substitute the clams with mushrooms and vegetable broth. Omit the bacon and use olive oil instead.
• Vegan Clam Chowder: Use the same substitutions as the vegetarian version and replace the milk and cream with coconut milk or a plant-based milk of your choice.
• Gluten-free Clam Chowder: Use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup.
• Manhattan Clam Chowder: This version uses tomatoes instead of cream and is a bit more tangy. Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the soup and omit the cream.
• Spicy Clam Chowder: Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the soup for a kick of heat.

Conclusion

Clam Chowder is a delicious and comforting soup that is perfect for a cold day. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Try it out and let us know how you like it!

FAQ

What is Clam Chowder?

Clam Chowder is a creamy soup traditionally made with potatoes, onions, bacon, and clams.

What type of clams should I use for Clam Chowder?

The best type of clams to use for Clam Chowder are fresh, shucked clams. You can also use canned clams in a pinch, but the flavor may not be as robust.

Can I make Clam Chowder without bacon?

Yes, you can make Clam Chowder without bacon. Simply omit the bacon and add a little bit of butter to the pot to sauté the onions.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use milk instead of heavy cream, but the soup will not be as creamy. You can also use half-and-half for a slightly lighter option.

How can I thicken Clam Chowder?

The best way to thicken Clam Chowder is to use a roux. Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour, and whisk until smooth. Add the roux to the soup and let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

Can I make Clam Chowder ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Clam Chowder ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat until heated through.

What is the best type of potato to use for Clam Chowder?

The best type of potato to use for Clam Chowder is a starchy potato, such as a russet potato. This will help thicken the soup and give it a creamy texture.

Can I add other seafood to Clam Chowder?

Yes, you can add other seafood to Clam Chowder, such as shrimp or scallops. However, keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile of the dish.

What is the best way to clean clams?

The best way to clean clams is to soak them in cold saltwater for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help remove any sand or grit from the clams.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you want to make a vegetarian version of Clam Chowder. However, keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile of the dish.