New England Clam Chowder
Transport yourself to the New England coast with this authentic and incredibly comforting Clam Chowder. This hearty soup is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring plump, tender clams, soft diced potatoes, and aromatic vegetables like onion and celery, all swimming in a thick, velvety cream base. Seasoned with bay leaf and thyme, each spoonful offers a taste of the ocean balanced with rich dairy, making it an ideal, soul-satisfying meal for winter evenings.
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1Drain the canned clams, reserving all the clam juice. Measure the reserved juice; if it's less than 3 cups, add enough bottled clam juice or vegetable broth to reach 3 cups. Set aside.
- 2In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste.
- 4Gradually whisk in the reserved clam juice (or broth) until smooth. Add the diced potatoes, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- 5Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream. Add the chopped clams. Heat gently until the chowder is hot, but do not boil, as this can cause the cream to curdle. Remove the bay leaf.
- 6Season the chowder with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve hot with oyster crackers.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh clams instead of canned?
Yes, absolutely! For fresh clams, you'll need about 2-3 lbs of small hard-shell clams (like littlenecks). Steam them open with a bit of water, then chop and reserve their cooking liquid for the chowder, straining it thoroughly.
How can I thicken the chowder if it's too thin?
If your chowder is too thin, you can create a slurry by whisking 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the simmering chowder and cook for a few more minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, you can mash a portion of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot to release their starch.
How long can I store leftover clam chowder?
Leftover clam chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, to prevent the dairy from separating. Do not boil when reheating.
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RECIPE BY
Leckere Rezepte
We are a team of passionate cooks and food enthusiasts.
