New England Clam Chowder Recipe
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Category: Chowders
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Rating: ★★★★★ (17 reviews)
Description:
This New England Clam Chowder recipe hails from The Vanilla Bean Cafe in Pomfret, Connecticut, and as a true New Englander, I can confidently say it’s one of the best clam chowders you’ll ever taste! Creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with a touch of heat and fresh herbs, this chowder is an absolute comfort food classic. The original recipe includes a blend of onions, celery, and garlic, but for an extra pop of color and sweetness, you can also add shredded carrots. Each spoonful is rich, hearty, and packed with tender clams, making this chowder a must-try for anyone who loves this iconic New England dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bacon fat | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Celery | 6 stalks, chopped |
| Garlic | 1 clove, minced |
| Carrot (optional) | 1/2 cup, shredded |
| Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Instant mashed potatoes | 1/2 cup |
| Potatoes (peeled) | 4, diced |
| Clams (with juice) | 1 can (6.5 oz) |
| Half-and-half cream | 1 1/2 cups |
| Fresh parsley | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Tabasco sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 832.9 kcal |
| Fat Content | 32.2 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 16.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 127.3 mg |
| Sodium | 2116.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 98 g |
| Fiber | 8.4 g |
| Sugar | 12.9 g |
| Protein | 38.2 g |
Instructions
-
Melt butter and bacon fat in a large pot over medium heat. This combination of fats gives the chowder its deep, savory base.
-
Sauté the onions, celery, and garlic (and shredded carrots, if using) in the melted fat. Stir occasionally, cooking until the vegetables are tender and aromatic, about 5–7 minutes.
-
Add seasonings: stir in the fresh parsley, a dash of Tabasco sauce, celery salt, thyme, and a bay leaf. These seasonings will infuse the chowder with a blend of savory and slightly spicy flavors.
-
Add flour and instant mashed potatoes to the pot. Stir continuously to ensure the flour and potatoes are evenly incorporated and there are no lumps. Turn off the flame momentarily while stirring until the flour is no longer visible and the mixture becomes smooth.
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Pour in the clam juice from the can, and stir the mixture to combine. The clam juice adds an oceanic depth to the chowder and helps to build the base of the soup.
-
Turn the heat back on to high, stirring constantly to avoid the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, making sure it thickens slightly.
-
Add the diced potatoes, then stir again. The potatoes are essential for the classic texture of New England clam chowder. Allow the soup to simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
-
Stir in the clams with their juices. This step adds the key flavor and texture of the chowder. Continue stirring to incorporate the clams evenly into the base.
-
Add the cream: Pour in the half-and-half, and stir the soup to combine, creating a creamy, rich texture. This is what makes the chowder indulgent and smooth.
-
Simmer for an additional 30 minutes. Let the chowder simmer on low heat, allowing all the flavors to meld together into a comforting, hearty bowl of deliciousness.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. The final seasoning should enhance the flavors without overwhelming them.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your warm, creamy New England Clam Chowder!
Tips for the Perfect Clam Chowder:
- For extra flavor, use fresh or frozen clams instead of canned. You can steam fresh clams and reserve their juice to use in place of the canned juice for a more authentic taste.
- Add a little extra heat: If you like your chowder with a bit more kick, feel free to add a bit more Tabasco or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers: This chowder thickens as it sits, so it makes great leftovers. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to adjust the consistency.
Related Recipes:
- Lobster Bisque
- Crab Chowder
- Seafood Stew
This New England Clam Chowder is the epitome of comfort in a bowl, offering everything you love about this iconic New England dish — rich, creamy, hearty, and flavorful. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something indulgent. Try this recipe, and you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic!
