Soup
Clam Chowder
On December 11, 2023 by userClam chowder is a hearty and comforting soup, perfect for a cozy meal. Here’s a classic New England-style clam chowder recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh or canned clams, chopped
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook Bacon:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove some of the bacon bits for garnish, if desired.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add chopped onion, diced celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Flour:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and bacon. Stir well to create a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Potatoes and Broth:
- Add the diced potatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, Old Bay seasoning (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Clams:
- Add the chopped clams to the pot. If using fresh clams, make sure they are thoroughly cleaned. Simmer for a few minutes until the clams are cooked.
- Add Milk and Cream:
- Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream. Stir well and let the chowder simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the chowder and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf.
- Serve:
- Ladle the clam chowder into bowls. Garnish with the reserved bacon bits and chopped fresh parsley.
Serve the clam chowder hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers.