Clam Chowder

4/1/2025

Clam Chowder

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour

Description

A hearty and warming soup that is emblematic of New England cuisine, the Clam Chowder is a blend of tender clams, smooth potatoes, onions, and smoky bacon covered in a creamy, savory broth. The traditional homemade version of this soup emphasizes quality ingredients and slow cooking to enhance the flavors and ensure a delectable and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Optional Ingredients

Estimated Time

Instructions

  1. Rinse the clams thoroughly to remove any exterior dirt or sand.
  2. In a large soup pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pot and set aside.
  3. Add the onions, celery, and garlic to the bacon grease in the pot and sauté until the onions become translucent.
  4. Add the potatoes, clams, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf in the pot. Cover with water and simmer until the clams open, about half an hour.
  5. Remove the clams from the shells, leaving a few in the shell for garnish, if desired. Chop the rest of the clams into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Return chopped clams to the pot. Discard any clams that did not open.
  7. Add the heavy cream and milk to the soup. Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes until the soup is heated through.
  8. Serve the clam chowder in bowls, garnished with parsley and reserved bacon. If desired, sprinkle with your optional ingredients like smoked paprika and serve with oyster crackers.

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