Best 8 Contest Winning New England Clam Chowder Recipes

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In the realm of classic New England seafood dishes, the quintessential clam chowder reigns supreme. Originating from the coastal towns of Massachusetts, this iconic soup has captured hearts and palates for generations. Its creamy, rich broth, brimming with tender clams, potatoes, and savory seasonings, evokes a sense of coastal charm and culinary excellence. This article presents a collection of exceptional New England clam chowder recipes, each with its unique twist on this timeless dish. From traditional stovetop methods to modern pressure cooker variations, these recipes cater to diverse cooking preferences and skill levels. Embark on a culinary journey as we explore the depths of flavor and uncover the secrets behind crafting the perfect bowl of New England clam chowder. Whether you prefer a classic rendition or an innovative take on this beloved soup, these recipes will guide you towards creating a chowder that will delight your taste buds and transport you to the shores of New England.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER



New England Clam Chowder image

For a bowl of creamy comfort, try Dave Lieberman's New England Clam Chowder recipe from Food Network, perfect with homemade baguette croutons.

Provided by Dave Lieberman

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 celery stalks (reserve tender leaves) trimmed, quartered lengthwise, then sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2 (10-ounce) cans chopped clams in juice
1 cup heavy cream
2 bay leaves
1 pound Idaho potatoes, cut into 1/2- inch cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 to 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and celery and saute until softened, mixing often. Stir in the flour to distribute evenly. Add the stock, juice from 2 cans of chopped clams (reserve clams), cream, bay leaves, and potatoes and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, stirring consistently (the mixture will thicken), then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook 20 minutes, stirring often, until the potatoes are nice and tender. Then add clams and season to taste with salt and pepper, cook until clams are just firm, another 2 minutes.;
  • Melt the butter in a large skillet and toss the bread cubes in the butter until browned and toasted, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add parsley and season with salt and pepper.;

CONTEST-WINNING NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER



Contest-Winning New England Clam Chowder image

This is the best New England clam chowder recipe, ever! In the Pacific Northwest, we dig our own razor clams and I grind them for the chowder. Since these aren't readily available, the canned clams are perfectly acceptable. -Sandy Larson, Port Angeles, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 55m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 center-cut bacon strips
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
3 small potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup water
1 bottle (8 ounces) clam juice
3 teaspoons reduced-sodium chicken bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups fat-free half-and-half, divided
2 cans (6-1/2 ounces each) chopped clams, undrained

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain; set aside. Saute celery and onion in the drippings until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the potatoes, water, clam juice, bouillon, pepper and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender, 15-20 minutes., In a small bowl, combine flour and 1 cup half-and-half until smooth. Gradually stir into soup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes., Stir in clams and remaining half-and-half; heat through (do not boil). Crumble the cooked bacon; sprinkle over each serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 260 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 22mg cholesterol, Sodium 788mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER I



New England Clam Chowder I image

Hot and hearty recipe that will warm you up on cold winter days.

Provided by Debbie2

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Seafood

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 slices bacon, diced
1 ½ cups chopped onion
1 ½ cups water
4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper to taste
3 cups half-and-half
3 tablespoons butter
2 (10 ounce) cans minced clams

Steps:

  • Place diced bacon in large stock pot over medium-high heat. Cook until almost crisp; add onions, and cook 5 minutes. Stir in water and potatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork tender.
  • Pour in half-and-half, and add butter. Drain clams, reserving clam liquid; stir clams and 1/2 of the clam liquid into the soup. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until heated through. Do not allow to boil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 395.8 calories, Carbohydrate 24 g, Cholesterol 101.4 mg, Fat 22.5 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 24.1 g, SaturatedFat 11.5 g, Sodium 706.2 mg, Sugar 2 g

NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER



New England Clam Chowder image

I wasn't satisfied with other recipes I came across for clam chowder, so I devised this one. Everyone who's tried it raves about it. The dish is great on a cold day.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 45m

Yield 12 servings (3 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 medium onions, chopped
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 quarts milk
3 cans (6-1/2 ounces each) chopped clams, undrained
2 to 3 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground sage
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Minced fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until tender. , Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, saute onions in butter until tender. Add flour; stir until smooth. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened., Drain potatoes; add to Dutch oven. Add clams and remaining ingredients; heat through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 254 calories, Fat 13g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 45mg cholesterol, Sodium 678mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

CONTEST-WINNING NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER



Contest-Winning New England Clam Chowder image

This is terrific. I added some extra bacon and left the skin on my red-skinned potatoes. I also skipped the clam juice because I didn't have any, and I used evaporated milk in place of half and half. Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home.

Provided by AmyZoe

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 55m

Yield 5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 center-cut bacon, strips
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
3 small potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup water
8 ounces clam juice
3 teaspoons reduced-sodium chicken bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups half-and-half, divided
13 ounces chopped clams, undrained

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain and set aside.
  • Saute celery and onion in the drippings until tender.
  • Add garlic and cook 1 minute longer.
  • Stir in the potatoes, water, clam juice, bouillon, pepper, and thyme.
  • Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
  • In a small bowl, combine flour and 1 cup half and half until smooth. Gradually stir into soup. Bring to a boil and cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes or until thickened.
  • Stir in clams and remaining half and half and heat through (do not boil). Crumble the reserved bacon and sprinkle over each serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 338.4, Fat 12.3, SaturatedFat 7.2, Cholesterol 57.9, Sodium 950.6, Carbohydrate 39.7, Fiber 3.5, Sugar 4.2, Protein 17.4

AWARD WINNING NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER RECIPE - (4.3/5)



award Winning New England Clam Chowder Recipe - (4.3/5) image

Provided by á-34480

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 center-cut bacon strips
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
3 small potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup water
1 bottle (8 ounces) clam juice
3 teaspoons reduced-sodium chicken bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups fat-free half-and-half, divided
2 cans (6-1/2 ounces each) chopped clams, undrained

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain; set aside. Saute celery and onion in the drippings until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the potatoes, water, clam juice, bouillon, pepper and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. In a small bowl, combine flour and 1 cup half-and-half until smooth. Gradually stir into soup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in clams and remaining half-and-half; heat through (do not boil). Crumble the cooked bacon; sprinkle over each serving. Yield: 5 servings.

AWARD WINNING CLAM CHOWDER



Award Winning Clam Chowder image

This is the best clam chowder I have ever had. Rich and creamy, full of flavor. It takes a bit to make, but is so worth it!

Provided by jenlyn33922

Categories     Chowders

Time 30m

Yield 1 cup, 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 22

3 ounces vegetarian bacon, diced
1 cup onion, diced
1 cup celery, diced
3 cups new potatoes, cooked firm and diced
4 cups evaporated skim milk
1 1/2 cups clams, chopped
1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup fat-free half-and-half
3 ounces Smart Balance butter spread
2 ounces clam base
1 1/4 cups clam juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon marjoram
2 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon dill
1/2 teaspoon thyme
2 bay leaves
1/8 cup fresh parsley
white pepper
black pepper
cayenne, to taste

Steps:

  • In a large stock pot cook bacon until crisp.
  • Add butter, onions, celery and all the seasoning except dill and parsley. Cook until tender.
  • Add flour and cook for another 3-4 minutes over low heat.
  • Add all the dairy products, clam juice and clam concentrate.
  • Heat until just under boiling point and then add chopped clams and potatoes.
  • Bring to a boil slowly, cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add dill and parsley and serve steaming.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 443.6, Fat 14.9, SaturatedFat 3.6, Cholesterol 24.9, Sodium 1070.4, Carbohydrate 51.4, Fiber 3.2, Sugar 24.1, Protein 26.3

THE BEST CLAM CHOWDER



The Best Clam Chowder image

This is a basic New England clam chowder, though with leeks used in place of the traditional onions, and a splash of wine to add a floral note. Also: thyme. Very continental! It is shockingly delicious and deserves its title as best. Bacon will add a smoky note to the stew. If you use it, it may be worth it to go the whole distance and get expensive double-smoked bacon instead of the standard supermarket fare. The salt pork, which is not smoked, will take the meal in the opposite direction, emphasizing the pure flavor of the clams.

Provided by Sam Sifton

Time 1h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

24 medium-size quahog clams, usually rated ''top neck'' or ''cherrystone,'' rinsed
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 pound slab bacon or salt pork, diced
2 leeks, tops removed, halved and cleaned, then sliced into half moons
3 large Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 sprigs thyme
1 bay leaf
2 cups cream
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped parsley.

Steps:

  • Put the clams in a large, heavy Dutch oven, add about 4 cups water, then set over medium-high heat. Cover, and cook until clams have opened, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. (Clams that fail to open after 15 to 20 minutes should be discarded.) Strain clam broth through a sieve lined with cheesecloth or doubled-up paper towels, and set aside. Remove clams from shells, and set aside as well.
  • Rinse out the pot, and return it to the stove. Add butter, and turn heat to medium-low. Add bacon or salt pork, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered and the pork has started to brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove pork from fat, and set aside.
  • Add the leeks to the fat, and cook, stirring frequently, until they are soft but not brown, about 10 minutes. Stir in potatoes and wine, and continue cooking until wine has evaporated and the potatoes have just started to soften, approximately 5 minutes. Add enough clam broth to just cover the potatoes, approximately 3 cups, reserving the rest for another use. Add the thyme and the bay leaf.
  • Partly cover the pot, and simmer gently until potatoes are tender, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, chop the clams into bits about the size of the bacon dice.
  • When potatoes are tender, add cream and stir in chopped clams and reserved bacon. Add black pepper to taste. Let come to a simmer, and remove from heat. (Do not let chowder come to a full boil.) Fish out the thyme and the bay leaf, and discard.
  • The chowder should be allowed to sit for a while to cure. Reheat it to a bare simmer before serving, then garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with oyster crackers.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 398, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 26 grams, Fat 28 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 9 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Sodium 544 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • Use fresh clams: Fresh clams will give your chowder the best flavor. If you can't find fresh clams, you can use frozen clams, but be sure to thaw them before using.
  • Don't overcook the clams: Clams are very delicate and can easily overcook. Cook them just until they are opaque and tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Use a good quality clam juice: The clam juice is a key ingredient in clam chowder, so be sure to use a good quality brand. Look for a clam juice that is clear and has a strong clam flavor.
  • Add vegetables to your chowder: Vegetables add flavor, texture, and nutrients to clam chowder. Common vegetables used in clam chowder include potatoes, onions, celery, and carrots.
  • Season your chowder to taste: Season your chowder with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. Common seasonings used in clam chowder include thyme, bay leaf, and paprika.
  • Serve your chowder hot: Clam chowder is best served hot. You can serve it with crackers, bread, or a salad.

Conclusion:

New England clam chowder is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. With a few simple tips, you can make a pot of clam chowder that your family and friends will love. So next time you are looking for a delicious and comforting soup, give New England clam chowder a try.

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