In the realm of hearty and comforting meals, few dishes can rival the allure of a classic clam chowder. This creamy, savory soup, brimming with tender clams, aromatic vegetables, and a symphony of herbs and spices, is a culinary delight that warms the soul on a chilly evening. Whether you prefer the New England-style chowder, with its milky broth and generous helping of potatoes, or the Manhattan-style chowder, known for its vibrant tomato base and flavorful broth, this versatile soup offers a taste of the sea that's sure to satisfy. Our collection of clam chowder recipes caters to every palate, featuring both traditional and innovative takes on this timeless dish. Dive into the creamy depths of our New England Clam Chowder, where tender clams, diced potatoes, and a medley of vegetables are enveloped in a velvety broth. Experience the vibrant flavors of our Manhattan Clam Chowder, where the sweetness of tomatoes and the briny essence of clams create a harmonious balance. For a smoky twist, try our Smoked Clam Chowder, where the rich, earthy flavor of smoked clams adds a unique depth of flavor. And for a touch of elegance, our Creamy Clam Chowder with Saffron and Chives offers a sophisticated take on this classic, with the addition of aromatic saffron and fresh chives. Whichever recipe you choose, you're in for a delightful culinary journey that will leave you craving more.
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CLAM CHOWDER
Thick and creamy Clam Chowder is one of my favorite easy soup recipes, and this one has all the traditional elements we love, like diced potatoes, veggies and plenty of delicious clams.
Provided by Lauren Allen
Categories Main Course Soup
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Drain the clams, adding the juice from the cans to a large stock pot. Set the clams aside.
- Add chicken broth and diced potatoes to the pot (the liquid should just barely cover the potatoes). Bring to a simmer, add the bay leaf, and cook until the potatoes are barely fork tender, about 5-6 minutes.
- While the potatoes cook, in a second pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter is melted. Add the onions, celery, bell peppers and garlic and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 30 seconds. Gradually stir in the milk and half and half, whisking as you add them to break up any clumps of flour. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until the thickened, about 5 minutes
- Stir the creamy mixture into the potatoes. Stir in the salt, pepper, vinegar, and reserved clams. Cook for 5 more minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 337 kcal, Carbohydrate 36 g, Protein 7 g, Fat 18 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, Cholesterol 39 mg, Sodium 527 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 4 g, ServingSize 1 serving
THE BEST CLAM CHOWDER
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
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
CONTEST-WINNING NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER
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
Time 55m
Yield 5 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
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
MY BEST CLAM CHOWDER
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
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
SUPPER CLAM CHOWDER
Steps:
- Cook chopped bacon in heavy large saucepan over medium heat until fat is rendered and bacon begins to brown. Add onions and sauté until tender, about 10 minutes. Add potatoes and red bell pepper and sauté 1 minute. Add reserved liquid from canned clams, milk and bottled clam juice. Simmer chowder uncovered until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add corn and clams to chowder; simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Mix in 3 tablespoons chopped thyme. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before serving.) Ladle chowder into bowls. Garnish with additional thyme and serve.
Tips:
- Use fresh clams. Fresh clams will give your chowder the best flavor. If you can't find fresh clams, frozen clams can also be used.
- Soak the clams in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking. This will help to remove any sand or grit from the clams.
- Use a variety of vegetables in your chowder. This will give the chowder more flavor and texture. Some good vegetables to use include potatoes, celery, carrots, and onions.
- Use a good quality clam juice. The clam juice is the base of the chowder, so it's important to use a good quality juice. Look for clam juice that is low in sodium.
- Season the chowder to taste. Add salt and pepper to taste, and you can also add other seasonings, such as thyme, bay leaves, or paprika.
- Serve the chowder with oyster crackers or a crusty bread. This will help to soak up the delicious broth.
Conclusion:
Clam chowder is a classic New England dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. With a little planning, you can make a delicious and satisfying clam chowder that your family and friends will love.
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