New England Easy Clam Chowder Recipe
Description: A delightful recipe that brings the comforting flavors of Maine right to your kitchen. This clam chowder is rich, creamy, and packed with savory goodness. Serve it with some crusty sourdough bread—or even in a bread bowl, just like they do in California. The perfect meal for a chilly day, this chowder is easy to prepare and will surely become a family favorite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Minced clams | 2 cans (6.5 oz each) | Fresh or canned clams, drained and juice reserved |
| Bacon | 5 slices | Crispy bacon adds depth and richness to the chowder |
| Water | 2 cups | Helps to simmer the base of the chowder |
| Potatoes (peeled and diced) | 5 medium | Adds texture and heartiness to the chowder |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium | Aromatic base for the chowder |
| Evaporated milk | 1 can (12 oz) | Provides creaminess without being overly heavy |
| Heavy cream | 1 ½ cups | Adds richness and smooth texture |
| Milk | 1 cup | Balances the richness of the cream |
| Salt | to taste | Enhances the flavors of the soup |
| Pepper | to taste | Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 555.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 89.6 mg |
| Sodium | 1207.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 66.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.3 g |
| Sugars | 3.2 g |
| Protein | 38.7 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Clams and Bacon:
Begin by draining the clam juice into a separate bowl and setting it aside for later use. Next, chop the bacon into small pieces and fry it in a large pot over medium heat. As the bacon starts to cook and crisp up, add the finely chopped onion. Allow the onions to soften and become translucent, absorbing the flavorful bacon fat. Once the onions are soft, add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir briefly, allowing them to absorb some of the bacon flavor. -
-
Simmer the Chowder Base:
Pour in the reserved clam juice along with the water, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, making sure the potatoes cook through and become tender. This should take around 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the potato cubes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. -
Add Dairy and Clams:
Once the potatoes are tender, add the minced clams to the pot. Next, pour in the evaporated milk, heavy cream, and regular milk. Stir the chowder gently, ensuring the dairy is fully incorporated. Be careful not to let the chowder come to a boil at this stage, as high heat can cause the milk to curdle. Simply heat it through until the chowder is steaming and the clams are warm. -
Final Seasoning:
Taste the chowder and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. Continue to heat for an additional few minutes until everything is hot and well-mixed. Remove the pot from the heat once the chowder is ready to serve. -
Serve:
Ladle the creamy clam chowder into bowls and garnish with additional crumbled bacon, fresh herbs, or even a sprinkle of paprika if desired. For the ultimate comfort meal, serve the chowder with crusty sourdough bread or inside a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun, interactive experience.
Tips for Perfecting Your Clam Chowder
- Clams: If you prefer fresh clams, you can substitute the canned version. Just be sure to steam or boil the clams first, and then chop them up before adding to the soup.
- Bacon: For extra flavor, opt for thick-cut bacon. If you prefer a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of bacon or skip it altogether.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add carrots or celery for added texture and flavor.
- Consistency: For a thicker chowder, mash a few of the potatoes in the pot before adding the dairy. If you like a thinner soup, add a little more milk or water to adjust the consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Bread Bowls: For a fun and hearty serving option, serve your clam chowder in a hollowed-out bread bowl. Simply cut the top off a round sourdough loaf, scoop out the insides, and ladle the chowder into the center. This keeps the chowder warm and adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Sour Cream or Chives: Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives for a refreshing contrast to the creamy chowder.
- Side Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chowder.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This recipe is a go-to for me when I’m craving comfort food. It reminds me of the clam chowder I used to enjoy in Maine, but it’s much easier to make at home. The combination of bacon, clams, and creamy milk makes this chowder simply irresistible. Highly recommend serving it with a good sourdough bread!” – Jessica B.
This New England Easy Clam Chowder recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter day or serving it up for a cozy family dinner. The rich, velvety texture and savory flavors will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, with just 40 minutes of total prep and cook time, it’s the perfect quick and satisfying meal.
