Best 10 Rhode Island Chowder Recipes

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Rhode Island Chowder, a culinary treasure from the Ocean State, is a creamy, flavorful seafood extravaganza that warms the soul and tantalizes the taste buds. This chowder is characterized by its rich, milky broth, brimming with tender clams, succulent shrimp, and hearty chunks of fish. Unlike its New England counterpart, Rhode Island Chowder embraces the bold flavors of tomatoes, giving it a vibrant red hue and a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the seafood.

This article presents a collection of carefully curated Rhode Island Chowder recipes that cater to diverse preferences and skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned chef looking to impress your dinner guests or a home cook seeking a comforting meal, you'll find a recipe that suits your culinary expertise. From traditional chowder recipes that honor the classic flavors to innovative variations that introduce exciting twists, this article has something for every seafood enthusiast. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the bounty of the sea and the unique culinary heritage of Rhode Island.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

RHODE ISLAND CLAM CHOWDER



Rhode Island Clam Chowder image

Clear clam chowder originated along the southern coast of Rhode Island, where it is a local delicacy much to be preferred over the creamier version of Boston to the north and the (to them) criminally tomato-hued style served in Manhattan to the south and west. Eating it recalls the feeling of pulling into Block Island after a long day at sea, scented with salt spray, and sliding into a clean bunk to sleep.

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
1 large Spanish onion, diced
2 large ribs celery, cleaned and diced
12 red bliss potatoes, cubed
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 sprigs thyme
1 bay leaf
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 those aside as well.
  • Rinse out the pot, and return it to the stove. Add butter, and turn heat to medium-low. Add the 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 onions and celery 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 the wine has evaporated and the potatoes have just started to soften, approximately 5 minutes. Add 4 cups of clam broth, 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 that are about the size of the bacon dice.
  • When the potatoes are tender, stir in the chopped clams and reserved bacon. Add black pepper to taste. Let the chowder come just to a simmer, and remove from heat. Fish out the thyme and bay leaf, and discard.
  • The chowder should be allowed to sit for a while to cure. Reheat it before serving, then garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with oyster crackers.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 343, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 49 grams, Fat 11 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 11 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 539 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams

RHODE ISLAND RED CLAM CHOWDER



Rhode Island Red Clam Chowder image

How can a New Englander love Manhattan over New England clam chowder? Because I like to taste the clams, not just heavy cream with lumps. I came up with this recipe today using what I had on hand, but feel free to improvise. This tastes just like the chowder you get at the beach with clam cakes! When reheating, do not boil or it will 'rubberize' the clams.

Provided by claudygirl

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Chowders     Clam Chowder Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (46 fluid ounce) can clam juice
1 (10 ounce) can whole baby clams, drained and juice reserved
2 onions, chopped
3 large carrots, chopped
3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
1 (6.5 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons dried parsley
ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Pour clam juice, and the juice from the canned clams into a large pot. Bring to a boil. Add onion, carrots, and potatoes; and simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes, or until tender. Stir in the tomato soup and tomato sauce, and season with parsley and black pepper. Add clams last, and cook just until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 199.8 calories, Carbohydrate 37.4 g, Cholesterol 33.2 mg, Fat 1.9 g, Fiber 4.9 g, Protein 10.7 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 914.6 mg, Sugar 7.1 g

RHODE ISLAND CLAM CHOWDER



Rhode Island Clam Chowder image

This is classic Rhode Island chowder. Only here, we usually use quahogs when making it. This recipe can be substituted either way and turns out great for the clam lover. This is a clear soup. This soup should taste slightly spicy, so adjust flavor to your heat preference

Provided by KMOMMYZ

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Chowders     Clam Chowder Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound shucked clams
3 cups clam juice
3 cups chicken stock
¼ cup butter
2 onions, diced
2 large stalks celery, chopped, with leaves
1 (15 ounce) can fingerling potatoes, drained and quartered
3 tablespoons dried dill weed
2 tablespoons ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 pinch cayenne pepper
2 drops hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco®), or to taste
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Bring the shucked clams, clam juice, and chicken stock to a simmer in a large pot over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 15 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion and celery; cook and stir until the vegetables are tender. Stir the onion mixture and potatoes into the clams. Season with dill, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, and hot pepper sauce. Simmer 15 minutes longer. Sprinkle with parsley to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 326.4 calories, Carbohydrate 33.4 g, Cholesterol 75.1 mg, Fat 13.7 g, Fiber 6.1 g, Protein 19.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.7 g, Sodium 1899.3 mg, Sugar 5.8 g

RHODE ISLAND CLAM CHOWDER



Rhode Island Clam Chowder image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

24 quahog clams (about 8 pounds), scrubbed
5 ounces slab bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, diced
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Freshly ground white pepper
Chopped fresh parsley, for topping (optional)

Steps:

  • Rinse the clams several times under cold running water. Transfer to a large pot and add 3 1/2 cups water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then cover and cook until the clams open, about 8 minutes. Remove the clams with a slotted spoon and transfer to a deep bowl as they open; cover with plastic wrap so they don't dry out. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl. Wipe out the pot, then pour the strained broth back into the pot.
  • Meanwhile, put the bacon in a large skillet and cover with about 2 inches of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook 10 minutes; drain, then return the bacon to the skillet. Add 1 tablespoon butter and cook until the bacon starts to brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer the bacon to the pot with the broth. Wipe out the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, the onion and celery to the skillet and cook over medium heat until the onion is translucent, about 6 minutes.
  • Add the onion and celery mixture to the broth along with the potatoes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the potatoes are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and 1/2 teaspoon white pepper.
  • While the potatoes are cooking, remove the clams from their shells and roughly chop.
  • Add the clams to the soup and cook until heated through, about 1 minute. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped parsley.
  • Per serving: Calories: 434; Total Fat: 23 grams; Saturated Fat: 9 grams; Protein: 21 grams; Total carbohydrates: 37 grams; Sugar: 2 grams; Fiber: 3 grams; Cholesterol: 65 milligrams; Sodium: 858 milligrams

RHODE ISLAND CLAM CHOWDER



Rhode Island Clam Chowder image

Unlike cream- or tomato-based chowders, the Rhode Island version has a clear broth to showcase the briny best in the clams.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Soups, Stews & Stocks     Soup Recipes

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 pounds large clams in the shell, preferably chowder or quahog, scrubbed
3 slices bacon, for serving
2 tablespoons bacon fat or extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion (1 medium onion)
3/4 cup thinly sliced leek, white and pale-green parts only, rinsed well (about 1 leek)
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 pounds small red potatoes, preferably fingerlings, cut into chunks
Coarse salt (optional)
Fresh basil leaves, torn (from a few sprigs), for serving

Steps:

  • Bring 8 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add clams, cover, and cook just until they open, about 5 minutes (start checking after 4 minutes and discard any chowder clams that have not opened after 6 minutes and quahogs after 7 minutes). Remove clams, and pour broth through a fine sieve into a bowl; reserve 5 cups. Remove clams from shells; roughly chop clams.
  • Cook bacon in a medium pot over medium-high heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Add bacon fat or oil to fat in pot, and reduce heat to medium. Add onion and leek, and saute until softened, about 8 minutes.
  • Add wine, and bring to a boil, scraping up browned bits. Add potatoes and reserved clam broth. Bring to a simmer, and cook until potatoes are tender. Stir in clams, and season with salt. Serve immediately with crumbled bacon and basil.

RHODE ISLAND STYLE CLAM CHOWDER



Rhode Island Style Clam Chowder image

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Categories     main-dish

Time 56m

Yield 6 servings, serving size 1 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 slices Canadian bacon (about 2 ounces), chopped
1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 cup chopped celery (about 3 stalks)
4 cups red bliss potatoes (about 1 1/4 pounds), cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 cups chopped clams*
2 cups clam juice*
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried
Water, to cover
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large soup pot over a medium-high heat. Add the Canadian bacon, onions and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 6 minutes. Add the potatoes, clams, clam juice, thyme and water, to cover. Bring to a boil, and simmer until potatoes are soft, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

RHODE ISLAND CLAM CHOWDER



Rhode Island Clam Chowder image

A recipe from Govenor Lincoln Almond. "With all the fine food Rhode Island has to offer, deciding on my favorite recipe was no easy task. After some serious thought and careful deliberation, I have decided on Rhode Island White Clam Chowder. I hope you enjoy this very special Rhode Island delicacy." Posted by request.

Provided by Lorac

Categories     Chowders

Time 1h

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced celery
2 tablespoons melted butter
8 ounces ri quahogs, chopped (liquid reserved)
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup clam juice
1 cup peeled and coarsely chopped potato
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup flour
1 cup milk
1 cup half-and-half or 1 cup heavy cream
1 dash thyme
1 dash salt
1 dash white pepper

Steps:

  • In a 3-quart saucepan, saute onion and celery in 2 tbls butter until transparent.
  • Add liquid from clams, clam juice, chicken broth and potatoes and simmer until potatoes are tender.
  • Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour and cook on low heat 1 minute, add milk and cream and cook on medium high until bubbly and thickened.
  • Add cream sauce and clams to the potato mixture, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
  • Add thyme, salt and pepper and serve.

RHODE ISLAND CHOWDER



Rhode Island Chowder image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 55m

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 gallon cold water
2 sticks (1 cup) butter
1/2 cup freshly chopped clams
3 tablespoons clam base
2 tablespoons chopped onions
1 1/2 tablespoons salt
1/2 tablespoon black pepper
4 bay leaves
4 cups cubed potatoes
Sour cream, for serving, optional

Steps:

  • In a large pot, combine the water, butter, clams, clam base, onions, salt, pepper and bay leaves and bring to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until tender. If desired, when serving, add a dollop of sour cream to each serving.

RHODE ISLAND CLAM CHOWDER DIP



Rhode Island Clam Chowder Dip image

Enjoy the game at home with a warm and comforting dip based on the New England favorite--Clam Chowder. Creamy, Cheddar-cheesy and loaded with smoky bacon and clams, it's best enjoyed on toasted baguette or water crackers. Touch down!

Provided by McCormick Spice

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     McCormick®

Time 35m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 slices bacon, chopped
⅓ cup chopped onion
1 package McCormick® Original Country Gravy Mix
1 ½ cups milk
1 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese, divided
1 (6.5 ounce) can chopped clams, drained
2 teaspoons McCormick® Parsley Flakes

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook bacon in large skillet on medium-high heat until crisp. Remove bacon, reserving drippings in pan. Add onion; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until translucent. Stir in Gravy Mix, milk and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes or until gravy starts to thicken. Remove from heat. Stir in clams.
  • Pour into 9-inch glass pie plate. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
  • Bake 15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with bacon and parsley. Serve with toasted baguette slices or crackers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 127.1 calories, Carbohydrate 6.3 g, Cholesterol 25.8 mg, Fat 7.5 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 7.9 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 300.8 mg, Sugar 1.6 g

RHODE ISLAND CLAM CHOWDER



Rhode Island Clam Chowder image

I was doing some research on Rhode Island foods and found tis recipe online. It sounds very good,as soon as the weather cools, I will be making this! According to the info I found,traditional Rhode Island clam chowder has clear broth. This traditional clear chowder generally contains quahogs, broth, potatoes, onions, and...

Provided by L D

Categories     Fish Soups

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 slices canadian bacon,about 2 oz,chopped
1 large onion,chopped (about 2 cups)
1 c celery,chopped (about 3 stalks)
4 c red potatoes,cut in 1/2 inch dice
2 c chopped clams
2 c clam juice
1 t. fresh thyme or 1/2 t. dried
water,to cover
salt
freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • 1. Heat the oil in a large soup pot over a medium-high heat. Add the Canadian bacon, onions and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 6 minutes. Add the potatoes, clams, clam juice, thyme and water, to cover. Bring to a boil, and simmer until potatoes are soft, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. * Can use clams and clam juice from 2 (1-pound) containers of frozen chopped clams in natural juice, thawed.

Tips:

  • Use fresh seafood. The fresher the seafood, the better the chowder will taste. If you can, buy seafood that was caught the same day.
  • Don't overcook the seafood. Seafood cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. Overcooked seafood will be tough and chewy.
  • Use a good quality clam juice. Clam juice is an important ingredient in Rhode Island chowder. Make sure to use a good quality clam juice that is made with real clams.
  • Add vegetables to your chowder. Vegetables add flavor and texture to chowder. Some popular vegetables to add to Rhode Island chowder include potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions.
  • Season your chowder to taste. Be sure to season your chowder to taste with salt and pepper. You may also want to add other spices, such as thyme, oregano, or bay leaves.
  • Serve your chowder hot. Rhode Island chowder is best served hot. You can serve it with crackers, crusty bread, or oyster crackers.

Conclusion:

Rhode Island chowder is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover seafood, and it is also a perfect meal for a cold winter day. With its creamy broth, tender seafood, and flavorful vegetables, Rhode Island chowder is sure to please everyone at your table.

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