The Quintessential New England Clam Chowder
My best clam chowder recipe! Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavour, just like in New England. Easy homemade goodness with bacon! Get the recipe now. ... Quick & Easy
Right then, let's get started, shall we?
Recipe Introduction: The Best Clam Chowder Recipe You'll Ever Make!
Fancy a bit of comfort food that tastes like the sea? then this best clam chowder recipe is for you.
Honestly, i’ve tried loads, and this one? this one hits the spot. it’s creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavour that will knock your socks off! it tastes like the best chowder soup you could imagine!
The Quintessential New England clam chowder recipe
This new england clam chowder recipe comes straight from the us. it's a classic, like fish and chips in the uk, proper comfort food.
Plus, it's not too tricky. give yourself about an hour. this chowder serves six hungry people, perfect for a family dinner or a cosy night with mates.
This homemade clam chowder is just like a hug in a bowl.
The Benefits of the Best Clam Chowder Recipe
Did you know clams are full of zinc? it is a great way to boost your immune system while enjoying a hearty meal.
It's great for serving on a chilly evening. this creamy clam chowder is special because it's not just a soup; it's an experience.
Imagine the scene, snow falling outside, fire roaring, with a steaming bowl of this seafood chowder recipe .
On to the ingredients for the best corn chowder recipe now.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bacon: 4 slices, cut up
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Celery: 2 sticks, diced
- Flour: 2 tablespoons
- Clam Juice: 3 cups
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: 2 cups, diced
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon, dried
- Salt: Half a teaspoon, or to taste
- Pepper: Quarter of a teaspoon, or to taste
- Bay Leaf: One
- Clams: Two cans, minced
- Cream: One cup, heavy
- Butter: Two tablespoons, unsalted
- Parsley: Fresh, chopped
Equipment You'll Need:
- A big pot
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring bits
- Something to stir with.
Now, are you ready to make this easy clam chowder recipe ? I always am! Let’s crack on.
Right, let's spill the beans about what you need to make the best clam chowder recipe ! honestly, good ingredients are half the battle.
This ain't just any chowder soup; this is the new england experience.
The Quintessential New England Clam Chowder Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment
Core Ingredients for Chowder Bliss
Listen, you need the right stuff. Here's the breakdown. These will help with the New England clam chowder recipe !
- Bacon: 4 slices , cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 115g ). Get good quality bacon. Seriously.
- Onion: 1 medium , diced (around 150g or 1 cup ). Yellow onion is the way to go.
- Celery: 2 stalks , diced (about 100g or 3/4 cup ). Adds that subtle freshness, you know?
- Flour: 2 tablespoons all-purpose ( 15g ). For thickening, don't skip it.
- Clam Juice: 3 cups (approximately 720ml ). This is liquid gold.
- Potatoes: 2 cups diced Yukon Gold ( 400g ). They hold their shape nicely!
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon , dried. Earthy perfection.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon . Adjust to taste!
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon . Adjust to taste!
- Bay Leaf: 1 . Adds a subtle layer of flavour.
- Minced Clams: 2 cans (6.5 ounce each), undrained (total 370g ).
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (about 240ml ). Makes it wonderfully creamy!
- Butter: 2 tablespoons , unsalted. For extra richness.
- Parsley: Fresh, chopped, for garnish. Makes it look fancy!
Seasoning Secrets for the Best Flavor
This is where the magic happens, where we elevate the corn chowder soup and creamy clam chowder .
- Essential: Thyme, salt, and pepper. Don't be shy.
- Flavor Boosters: Bay leaf. Smoked paprika ( 1/2 teaspoon ) adds a smoky depth.
- Quick Swap: If you don't have thyme, try savory.
This combo just screams "comfort food." My Nan always said, "Seasoning is love!"
Equipment You'll Actually Use
Right, no need for fancy gadgets. Just the essentials! This easy clam chowder recipe doesn't need much!
- Dutch Oven: Or a heavy-bottomed pot. The heat needs to be even.
- Cutting Board and Knife: Obviously.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Gotta be precise.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring!
Honestly, you probably have all this already. a regular pot will do in a pinch, but that dutch oven makes a difference.
Some folks add bacon to their clam chowder with bacon or even corn to make a corn chowder soup , but that is heretical.
So there you have it! All the bits and bobs you need for a cracking authentic clam chowder recipe . Time to get cooking!
Alright, let's get cracking on the best clam chowder recipe ever! forget those watery, bland versions, we're making the real deal, a new england clam chowder recipe that’ll knock your socks off.
I remember the first time i tried proper chowder – honestly, it was life-changing. it felt like a hug in a bowl.
Prep Like a Pro: Chowder Soup Edition
First things first, let's get our mise en place sorted. this is just a fancy way of saying get everything ready before you start cooking.
Chop your 1 medium yellow onion (about 1 cup) and 2 celery stalks . dice about 2 cups of yukon gold potatoes .
Cut up 4 slices of bacon. trust me, this little bit of prep saves a world of stress later. i always used to skip this step and ended up in a right flap!
Remember, knife safety folks! Keep those fingers tucked.
Step-by-Step to Clam Chowder Perfection
Bacon time: in your dutch oven, get that bacon going over medium heat. cook until it's lovely and crisp. take it out and put it aside, but keep that bacon fat.
Oh my gosh, the flavour!
Onion and Celery Party: Chuck in your diced onion and celery into the bacon fat. Sauté them until they're soft and see-through. This should take around 5- 7 minutes .
Roux Rules: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the onion and celery. Stir it constantly for 1- 2 minutes . This makes a roux, which helps thicken the chowder.
Clam juice and potatoes: slowly whisk in 3 cups of clam juice, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.
That's where all the flavour is! then add the potatoes , 1 teaspoon of thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and the bay leaf .
Simmer Down: Bring it to a simmer, then turn the heat down low. Cook until the potatoes are soft, about 15- 20 minutes .
Creamy clam goodness: now, gently stir in 2 cans (6.5oz each) of undrained minced clams, 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of butter.
Heat it all through gently. don't boil it!
Taste and Tweak: Take out the bay leaf. Now, taste the chowder and add more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve it Up: Ladle it into bowls. Top with the reserved bacon and some fresh parsley. Enjoy your creamy clam chowder!
Pro Tips for a Top-Notch Chowder
Honestly, the biggest mistake people make is boiling it after adding the cream. it curdles! keep it low and slow.
For a clam chowder with bacon variant, add extra bacon! let the chowder soup sit for a bit, the flavors meld.
For an easy clam chowder recipe , use pre-chopped veggies to save time. you can also make this ahead of time up to step 5 and then finish it off when you are ready to eat! what a great seafood chowder recipe !
Right then, let's chat about the nitty-gritty for my best clam chowder recipe . honestly, these little tips and tricks can make all the difference between a good chowder soup and a knock-your-socks-off bowl of comforting goodness.
So grab a cuppa, and let's get into it!
Recipe Notes
Serving Up Style: Plating and Presentation
Presentation matters, doesn't it? for the best corn chowder recipe , ladle that creamy goodness into a rustic bowl. think about a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a few crispy bacon bits.
Oh my gosh, it looks divine. oyster crackers are a must. a slice of crusty bread for dipping? absolute heaven.
Or, you could try it with a simple side salad to cut through the richness.
Storing the Gold: Keeping Your Chowder Fresh
Leftover creamy clam chowder ? lucky you! pop it in an airtight container and it’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If you're thinking long-term, freezing is an option, but the texture might change a tad. reheat it gently on the stovetop; don't even think about boiling it – nobody wants curdled cream.
Twists and Turns: Variations on a Theme
Fancy a change? for a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk works a treat in my corn chowder soup . it adds a subtle sweetness, you know? or if you want to fire things up a bit, a pinch of red pepper flakes will give your seafood chowder recipe a cheeky little kick.
And for a seasonal twist, try adding sweetcorn in the summer – hello, best corn chowder recipe !
Nutrition Nuggets: A Quick Health Check
Okay, so this is creamy clam chowder , it's not exactly health food. but! it does pack a protein punch from the clams and bacon.
Plus, you're getting some veggies in there. it's about balance, right? treat yourself.
Wrapping It Up: A Hearty Bowl of Happiness
So there you have it. my notes on the authentic clam chowder recipe , the easy clam chowder recipe . don't be scared to experiment.
Every cooker has their own journey to making the new england clam chowder recipe . get in the kitchen and have a go!.
This clam chowder with bacon will have them begging for more. happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this the best clam chowder recipe?
This recipe focuses on achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. We use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamy consistency, a touch of bacon for savory depth, and ensure you don't overcook it after adding the cream. It's a proper New England classic, done right. Think less "fishy water" and more "bowl of comforting deliciousness," like something your Nan would make!
Can I use fresh clams instead of canned?
Absolutely! Using fresh clams will definitely elevate your chowder. You'll need about 2 pounds of littleneck or cherrystone clams. Steam them open, reserving the clam juice, and then chop the clam meat to add to the chowder. Just remember to strain the clam juice well to remove any sand – nobody wants a gritty chowder, bit like sand in your sandals!
How do I prevent my clam chowder from being too thin or too thick?
The roux (flour and fat mixture) is key for thickening the chowder. Make sure to cook the roux for a couple of minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, but don't brown it too much. If your chowder is too thick, add a splash of clam juice or milk to thin it out. Remember, patience is a virtue when making this, so go slow!
How long does clam chowder last, and how should I store it?
Clam chowder is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture might change slightly upon reheating, and the potatoes may absorb more liquid, but the flavour should remain delightful! Avoid freezing, as the cream may separate and become grainy upon thawing - nobody wants that!
Is there a lighter or healthier version of this best clam chowder recipe?
You can definitely lighten things up a bit! Try using milk instead of heavy cream for a lower-fat option, or use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or corn for extra nutrients. However, remember that sometimes, you just have to treat yourself – everything in moderation, like a good Sunday roast!
Can I make this clam chowder recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe to be dairy-free. Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Be aware that coconut milk will impart a subtle coconut flavour. You can also use olive oil instead of butter when sautéing the vegetables. A bit like swapping bangers and mash for a quinoa salad, it's still good, just different!
