Best 2 Rich Clam Chowder Recipes

Indulge in the creamy delight of our rich clam chowder, a classic New England comfort food. Savor the harmonious blend of tender clams, aromatic vegetables, and a velvety broth infused with the essence of the sea. This hearty and flavorful chowder embodies the essence of coastal cuisine.

This recipe collection offers a diverse selection of clam chowder variations to suit every palate. From the traditional New England-style chowder, brimming with clams, potatoes, and cream, to the Manhattan-style chowder, featuring a vibrant tomato-based broth, there's a chowder for every seafood lover.

For those seeking a taste of the Pacific Northwest, the West Coast clam chowder awaits, boasting a luscious broth infused with the flavors of fresh local clams and a medley of vegetables. And for those with a penchant for bold flavors, the spicy clam chowder brings a delightful heat that complements the briny sweetness of the clams.

Each recipe provides step-by-step instructions, ensuring that both novice and seasoned cooks can recreate these culinary masterpieces at home. Whether you're craving a comforting meal on a chilly evening or simply seeking a taste of the sea, our rich clam chowder recipes are guaranteed to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a culinary journey to the shores of New England and beyond.

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

RICH CLAM CHOWDER

Rich Clam Chowder image

"I came across a chowder recipe I liked several years ago and have made just enough changes to give it a unique flavor...and feed a pretty large crowd. People always go back for seconds, then ask for the recipe." -Teresa Dastrup, Meridian, Idaho.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 1h10m

Yield 22 servings (1 cup each).

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

6 cups diced peeled red potatoes
3 large onions, finely chopped
6 celery ribs, finely chopped
3 cups water
6 cans (6-1/2 ounces each) minced clams
1-1/2 cups butter, cubed
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
8 cups half-and-half cream
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
3 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

In a stockpot, combine the potatoes, onions, celery and water. Drain clams, reserving juice; set clams aside. Add juice to potato mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. , Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Cook and stir for 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Gradually stir in cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Gradually stir into potato mixture., Add the vinegar, parsley, salt, pepper and clams. Cook 5-10 minutes longer or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 318 calories, Fat 21g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 85mg cholesterol, Sodium 675mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 8g protein.

RICH & CREAMY MUSHROOM "CLAM" CHOWDER

Rich & Creamy Mushroom

Button mushrooms and oyster mushrooms are the "clams" in this vegan clam chowder recipe. This soup is velvety-thick, hearty, and so full of flavor you'll never miss the seafood.

Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium yellow onion (diced (about 2 cups))
2 medium carrots (peeled and diced (about 1 cup))
2 stalks celery (diced (about 1 cup))
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 5-6 fresh thyme stems
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more to taste
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes (washed and cut into 1/2-inch dice (about 1 pound))
6 ounces white button mushrooms (chopped (about 2 cups))
3 ounces oyster mushrooms (chopped (about 1 cup))
1 cup Silk® Unsweetened Soymilk
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
Fresh parsley
Oyster crackers
Sliced button mushrooms

Steps:

Set a large saucepan or medium soup pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil. When hot, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 8 minutes. Add dried thyme (if using fresh, wait until you add the broth to add the fresh thyme), 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes.
Slowly drizzle in the vegetable broth, stirring to lift the brown bits. Add the potatoes, mushrooms, and if using fresh thyme, add it now. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
Remove soup from heat and remove the lid. Let cool a bit. If you used fresh thyme, remove the stems. Remove 4 cups of soup from the pot (I ladle it into a large 4-cup liquid measuring cup). Pour the 4 cups of soup into the pitcher of a blender (or you can puree it with an immersion blender).
Return pureed soup to the pot and stir to combine. Add soymilk. Return to a simmer. Stir in red wine vinegar. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired.
Ladle into soup bowls and garnish with parsley, oyster crackers, and/or sliced button mushrooms if desired.

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.

Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are a good choice for clam chowder because they hold their shape well and don't get mushy. You can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes.

Don't crowd the pot: When you're cooking the vegetables, don't overcrowd the pot. This will prevent them from cooking evenly.

Use a good quality clam juice: The clam juice is an important ingredient in clam chowder, so be sure to use a good quality brand. You can also make your own clam juice by boiling clam shells in water.

Season to taste: Clam chowder is a versatile dish that can be seasoned to your liking. Add salt, pepper, and other spices to taste.

Conclusion:

Clam chowder is a delicious and hearty soup that's perfect for a cold winter day. It's also a relatively easy dish to make, so it's a great option for busy weeknights. With a few simple tips, you can make a clam chowder that your family and friends will love.