Best 8 Judys Clam Chowder Recipes

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Feast your taste buds on a culinary journey with Judy's Clam Chowder, a New England classic that embodies the essence of coastal comfort. Savor the harmonious blend of tender clams, aromatic vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth that promises to warm your soul on a chilly day. Indulge in two variations of this timeless chowder: the traditional New England-style, featuring a milky broth brimming with potatoes, and the Manhattan-style, renowned for its tangy tomato-based broth.

Embark on a culinary adventure with our carefully curated collection of recipes, each offering a unique twist on the beloved clam chowder. From the classic New England-style, where simple ingredients shine through, to the hearty Manhattan-style, bursting with bold flavors, these recipes cater to every palate. Dive into the creamy depths of our Corn and Clam Chowder, where sweet corn enhances the chowder's natural sweetness. Experience a taste of the sea with our flavorful Seafood Chowder, where succulent shrimp, lobster, and mussels join forces to create a seafood extravaganza.

But the culinary journey doesn't end there. Discover the delightful simplicity of our Quick and Easy Clam Chowder, perfect for those short on time. And for a smoky, bacon-infused twist, try our irresistible Bacon Clam Chowder. For a chowder with a kick, our Spicy Clam Chowder, infused with a blend of chili peppers, promises to ignite your taste buds. And for a creamy, cheesy indulgence, our Creamy Clam Chowder, loaded with melted cheese, will surely satisfy your comfort food cravings.

So, whether you're a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, Judy's Clam Chowder and its recipe variations promise a delightful experience that will transport you to the heart of New England's culinary heritage. Bon appétit!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CLAM CHOWDER RECIPE



Clam Chowder Recipe image

Clam chowder is one of my all-time favorite comfort soups. Luckily it's very easy to make. This recipe is a keeper. I can confidently say this New England Style Clam Chowder rivals my favorite restaurant version! P.S. this recipe has a much lower fat content. This lighter clam chowder only has 1 cup of cream for the entire pot but maintains it's super creamy appeal and has incredible satisfying flavor.

Provided by Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com

Categories     Easy/Medium

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 17

6 slices bacon (sliced into 1/2" strips)
2 carrots (sliced into thin rings or half rings)
2 celery stalks (diced into 1/4" pieces)
1 small onion (finely diced)
4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups Chicken broth (reduced sodium)
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp Tobasco
1 cup chopped clams with juice (I used 2 small cans)
1 1/2 tsp worchestershire sauce
1/2 tsp dry thyme
1/4 tsp black pepper & Salt to taste (1/2 to 1 tsp salt)
1 1/2 lbs potatoes (about 6 medium potatoes, cubed into bite-sized pieces)
2 cups milk (any kind; I used 2%)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/8 bunch of Cilantro (finely chopped)
Crackers or fresh crusty bread to serve

Steps:

  • In a heavy bottomed soup pot or dutch oven, Saute chopped bacon over med/high heat until browned, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels. You should have about 3-4 Tbsp bacon fat in the pot; remove extra fat if you wish, but I left it in ;).
  • In the same pot with bacon fat add in 2 sliced carrots, 2 stalks celery (diced), 1 small onion (finely diced) and saute over med/high until soft and golden (7-8 min). Sprinkle with 4 Tbsp flour and stir to combine. Sautee another minute.
  • Stir in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 tsp tabasco, 2 cans chopped clams with juice, 1 1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp thyme, 1/4 tsp pepper, and about 1 to 1 1/2 tsp salt or to taste. Bring to a light boil.
  • Add 1 1/2 lbs cubed potatoes, 1 cup heavy cream and 2 cups milk. Stir to combine, cover and lightly boil until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork, stirring occasionally (17-20 mins). It will thicken as it cools. If it's too thick, you can add a little milk to thin it out.
  • To serve, garnish with your browned bacon, finely chopped cilantro (cilantro takes it to the next level) and serve with crackers or crusty bread.

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

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

QUICK CLAM CHOWDER



Quick Clam Chowder image

Not only is this soup a quick fix, but it's oh-so-tasty. Dressing up canned soups allows you to enjoy the comfort of clam chowder with a fraction of the work. -Judy Jungwirth, Athol, South Dakota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of potato soup, undiluted
2 cups half-and-half cream
2 cans (6-1/2 ounces each) minced/chopped clams, drained
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pepper to taste

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 251 calories, Fat 14g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 65mg cholesterol, Sodium 985mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

MY BEST CLAM CHOWDER



My Best Clam Chowder image

A delicious, traditional, cream based chowder, this recipe calls for the standard chowder ingredients: onion, celery, potatoes, diced carrots, clams, and cream. A little red wine vinegar is added before serving for extra flavor.

Provided by PIONEERGIRL

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Seafood

Time 50m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 (6.5 ounce) cans minced clams
1 cup minced onion
1 cup diced celery
2 cups cubed potatoes
1 cup diced carrots
¾ cup butter
¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 quart half-and-half cream
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 ½ teaspoons salt
ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Drain juice from clams into a large skillet over the onions, celery, potatoes and carrots. Add water to cover, and cook over medium heat until tender.
  • Meanwhile, in a large, heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Whisk in cream and stir constantly until thick and smooth. Stir in vegetables and clam juice. Heat through, but do not boil.
  • Stir in clams just before serving. If they cook too much they get tough. When clams are heated through, stir in vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 501.2 calories, Carbohydrate 28.4 g, Cholesterol 136.6 mg, Fat 32.7 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 23.9 g, SaturatedFat 19.7 g, Sodium 712.3 mg, Sugar 2.4 g

JUDY'S CLAM CHOWDER



Judy's Clam Chowder image

This recipe is a family favorite. Originally it called for milk and half and half. I have found no significant difference using just milk. Play with the amount of butter you use, you may be able to get away with less!

Provided by Limit3

Categories     Chowders

Time 45m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 (6 1/2 ounce) cans minced clams, save juice
1 onion, chopped
5 large potatoes, peeled and diced
5 slices bacon
1 tablespoon flour
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
2/3 cup flour
1/2 cup butter

Steps:

  • Soup Base:.
  • Melt butter in large pot over med heat. Be careful not to brown the butter.
  • Whisk in 2/3 cup flour until well mixed. Let cook for 1 minute.
  • Whisk in the milk and chicken broth.
  • Cook over low heat to thicken, stirring frequently.
  • Clam Base:.
  • Cook Bacon in a large frying pan(I like to pre-chop the bacon and fry it that way).
  • Add onion and saute until transparent.
  • Add potatoes, sprinkle with the 2 tbsp flour and let cook for 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the reserved clam juice plus water to make 2 cups liquid. Mix well, cover and let simmer until potatoes are cooked through (20-25 minutes.).
  • When done, add clams and then add to the soup base. Warm on low heat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 547.1, Fat 22.3, SaturatedFat 11.2, Cholesterol 95, Sodium 607.6, Carbohydrate 57.2, Fiber 5.6, Sugar 2.7, Protein 29.2

CLAM AND COD CHOWDER



Clam and Cod Chowder image

Weeknight chowder? Use clam juice. Weekend? It's worth making fish stock from scratch.

Provided by Alison Roman

Categories     Soup/Stew     Potato     Kid-Friendly     Lunch     Cod     Clam     Celery     Leek     Fall     Winter     Bon Appétit     Sugar Conscious     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Small Plates

Yield 8 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 pounds small Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, halved, quartered if large
2 large leeks, white and pale-green parts only, finely chopped
4 celery stalks, finely chopped
4 sprigs thyme, plus leaves for serving
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup dry white wine
4 cups fish stock or bottled clam juice
2 cups heavy cream
4 pounds littleneck clams, scrubbed
2 pounds skinless cod or haddock, cut into large pieces Hot sauce and lemon wedges (for serving)

Steps:

  • Heat oil and butter in a large heavy pot over medium. Add potatoes, leeks, celery, and thyme sprigs; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until leeks are tender, about 5 minutes. Add wine, bring to a boil, and cook until reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add stock and cream, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer (if using clam juice, taste before adding salt, it's very briny). Cook until potatoes are starting to fall apart (their starch will help give body to the soup), 50-60 minutes.
  • Add clams to pot and stir to coat. Cover and simmer until clams are just beginning to open, 10-12 minutes. Season cod with salt and pepper and add to pot. Reduce heat to low and cover. Let fish gently poach until cooked through, about 5 minutes (simmering too hard can make fish tough). Season with salt and pepper, if needed, and serve topped with thyme leaves, with hot sauce and lemon wedges.

MOM'S FAMOUS CLAM CHOWDER



Mom's Famous Clam Chowder image

Ummm thick and Creamy!! This is a good one!! I don't care for clams so I divide this soup in half before I add the clams and I have an awesome potato soup for myself and my daughter and my happy hubby gets all the clam chowder.

Provided by Pvt Amys Mom

Categories     Chowders

Time 50m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (6 1/2 ounce) can chopped clams (you can add 2 cans if you really like clams)
1/4 lb bacon (diced)
2 cups bottled clam juice
4 large potatoes (diced)
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced carrot
1 whole onion, chopped
1 quart half-and-half
salt
pepper
1/4 teaspoon thyme
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 tablespoons dried parsley

Steps:

  • Chop or dice all of your vegetables and set aside.
  • Drain clams, save the liquid.
  • (I usually throw in the extra clam juice for the added flavor, you will get about 1/2 cup of juice from the can of clams).
  • (I start the bacon and the vegetables all in the pan that I will finish the soup in- then you get the flavor from the bacon crustys on the bottom).
  • Fry bacon bits and set aside.
  • Drain off all bacon fat but enough to coat the bottom of the pan.
  • Saute potato, onion, celery and carrot in bacon drippings for 5 minutes.
  • Add the clam juice, salt and pepper, thyme and chopped parsley.
  • Cook for 20 minutes or until the veggys are all fork tender.
  • Add the 1/2 and 1/2.
  • Add the Bacon.
  • (This is where I divide the soup if you want a pot of potato soup as well).
  • Add the clams.
  • Thicken to desired consistency with cornstarch and water.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 524.2, Fat 27.7, SaturatedFat 14.5, Cholesterol 85.3, Sodium 448.6, Carbohydrate 54.2, Fiber 6.2, Sugar 3.7, Protein 16.6

Tips:

  • Use fresh clams. Fresh clams will give your chowder the best flavor. If you can't find fresh clams, you can use canned clams, but be sure to rinse them well before using.
  • Don't overcook the clams. Clams are delicate and will toughen if they are overcooked. Cook them just until they are opaque, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Use a good quality clam juice. Clam juice is the base of the chowder, so it's important to use a good quality one. Look for clam juice that is made from fresh clams and that has a clear, light color.
  • Add vegetables to your chowder. Vegetables add flavor, texture, and nutrients to chowder. Some popular vegetables to add include potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion.
  • Season your chowder to taste. Chowder should be seasoned to taste with salt, pepper, and other spices. Be careful not to over-season the chowder, as you can always add more seasoning later.
  • Serve chowder hot. Chowder is best served hot, with a side of crackers or crusty bread.

Conclusion:

Clam chowder is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold day. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious clam chowder that your family and friends will love.

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