Description
Creamy clam chowder is a comforting soup packed with tender clams, smoky bacon, and hearty potatoes in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for cold weather and seafood lovers!
Ingredients
- Fresh or canned clams
- Bacon
- Onion
- Celery
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Chicken or seafood broth
- Heavy cream
- Milk
- Thyme
- Bay leaf
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Parsley
- Oyster crackers or bread for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Clams: If using fresh clams, rinse them thoroughly and steam until they open. Remove the meat, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and reserve the clam juice. If using canned clams, drain them and reserve the liquid.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add chopped onion, celery, and garlic to the bacon fat and cook until softened and fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Stir in butter and flour, cooking for a couple of minutes to form a light roux that will help thicken the chowder.
- Add the Liquids: Gradually whisk in the reserved clam juice and broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the thyme and bay leaf for extra flavor.
- Simmer with Potatoes: Add diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Incorporate Dairy: Reduce the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream and milk. Let the chowder heat through but do not boil.
- Add the Clams: Stir in the chopped clams and crispy bacon. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Season to Taste: Add salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chowder into bowls and serve with oyster crackers or in a bread bowl for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream to reduce the richness.
- Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for thickening.
- Extra Seafood: Enhance the dish by adding shrimp, scallops, or crab meat.
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Omit the clams and bacon, using mushrooms and smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: clam chowder, creamy soup, seafood soup, New England clam chowder, easy chowder recipe