Best 2 Pacific Northwest Clam Chowder Recipes

Feast your senses on the delectable Pacific Northwest Clam Chowder, a culinary symphony that harmonizes the bounty of the sea with the earthy goodness of local produce. This chowder is not just a soup; it's a journey through the region's rich flavors. Dive into the depths of its creamy broth, where tender clams, sweet corn, and crisp potatoes dance in perfect harmony. Each spoonful is an ode to the Pacific Northwest, with hints of fresh herbs and a whisper of smokiness from bacon that lingers on the palate. Savor the classic rendition, or embark on a culinary adventure with variations like the Vegan Clam Chowder, a plant-based symphony of flavors, or the Smoked Salmon Clam Chowder, where succulent salmon lends its smoky essence to the chowder's embrace. Whichever path you choose, prepare to be swept away by the charm of this iconic dish.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

PACIFIC NORTHWEST RAZOR CLAM CHOWDER

Pacific Northwest Razor Clam Chowder image

I'm lucky to live in a part of the country that has an abundance of amazing seafood. One of the things specific to the Pacific Northwest are razor clams. I created this chowder recipe last December and it tastes amazing! I hope you enjoy it as much as we have! One thing that I had to adapt when posting the recipe to this site is...

Provided by Laurrie Piland

Categories Chowders

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

2-3 can(s) chopped clams with juice (i use 1 limit of razor clams (15) that have been frozen and thawed
6 small red potatoes, chopped
1/2 lb applewood smoked bacon, sliced
3 shallots, chopped
5 celery stalks with leaves, chopped
4 clove garlic, minced
1-8 oz brick of reduced fat cream cheese
1/4 c butter
5 c whole milk
1/2 pt heavy cream (optional)
2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
2 Tbsp fresh italian flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
1 Tbsp fresh chives, minced
2 dash(es) tabasco sauce
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 c instant potato flakes
1 pinch pink himalayan sea salt
1 pinch coarsely ground black pepper

Steps:

1. In large saucepan, add clams with juice, milk, cream cheese, butter, heavy cream (if using), thyme, parsley, Tabasco and red pepper flakes. Heat gently over low heat.
2. In a skillet, render the bacon until it's not quite crisp. Add in potatoes, celery, shallot and garlic...fry until potatoes are just about tender. Add to milk-clam mixture.
3. Heat SLOWLY over LOW heat until potatoes are tender. Add in instant potato flakes, a tablespoon at a time, until the chowder is the thickness you would like it to be. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped chives.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST CLAM CHOWDER

Pacific Northwest Clam Chowder image

Although creamy clam chowder is usually associated with the New England region of our country, my ancestors might differ on the subject! As settlers in the northwest "Territory of Washington," they cooked with an abundance of salmon, oysters, crabs and clams from the cold waters of the Pacific. Having grown up in Oregon, I...

Provided by Cindy DeVore

Categories Seafood

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1/2 c dry white wine
1/4 c all-purpose flour
2 c organic half & half (may substitute 1 cup milk to reduce fat)
1 c organic chicken broth or stock
1 c clam juice drained and reserved from cans. if using fresh clams, purchase snow's all-natural clam juice (8 oz.)
3 can(s) fancy whole baby clams (10 oz.) - if you can buy 30 oz. of fresh clams, even better!
1 lb organic small red-skinned potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 1/2 tsp old bay seasoning
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
1 loaf crusty sourdough bread, warmed

Steps:

1. Wrap a loaf of sourdough bread in foil and place it in the oven. Warm at 200 degrees while you prepare and cook your chowder.
2. Chop up your small red-skinned potatoes. (Tip: the first part of cooking this chowder happens fast, and it's easy to scald, so it's important to have all ingredients measured and ready to add to the saucepan as you're cooking.)
3. Chop up your shallot. Open and drain cans of clams, reserving 1 cup of clam juice to set aside.
4. In a large saucepan, heat oil and add chopped shallot. Cook shallot on low to medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add wine, continue stirring, and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in flour, a little at a time, stirring constantly, and cook about 30 seconds.
5. Gradually stir in half & half and chicken broth. As mixture begins to simmer, add the reserved clam juice (8 oz).
6. Add potatoes. Cover and simmer on very low heat for 20 to 25 minutes. Check simmer and stir occasionally to prevent scalding. (Check potatoes by piercing with a fork to ensure they are done.)
7. When potatoes are tender, add clams, Old Bay seasoning, salt and pepper. Again bring to a light simmer, and turn off heat.
8. Remove bread from oven and slice to serve with chowder.
9. Ladle clam chowder into bowls, and top with chopped parsley if desired. Serve with slices of warm crusty bread and butter.

Tips:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your chowder.
Don't overcook the clams. They should be cooked just until they are opaque and tender.
Use a variety of vegetables. This will add flavor and texture to your chowder.
Season your chowder to taste. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs.
Serve your chowder with a side of crusty bread or crackers. This will help to soak up the delicious broth.

Conclusion:

Pacific Northwest clam chowder is a hearty and delicious soup that is perfect for a cold night. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like your chowder thick or thin, with or without bacon, or with a variety of vegetables, there is a recipe out there for you. So next time you are looking for a comforting and flavorful soup, give Pacific Northwest clam chowder a try. You won't be disappointed.