Classic New England Clam Chowder

There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of New England Clam Chowder to warm you up on a chilly day. This classic American soup is a staple in the Northeastern United States and is known for its rich and creamy texture, loaded with tender clams, potatoes, and aromatic vegetables. Follow this simple guide to make a delicious pot of clam chowder that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups clam juice or seafood stock
• 1 cup water
• 1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cans (6.5 ounces each) chopped clams, drained with juice reserved
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Oyster crackers, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
2. Add the chopped onion and celery to the pot and cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
5. Slowly pour in the clam juice (or seafood stock), water, and reserved clam juice, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
6. Add the diced potatoes, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
7. Stir in the chopped clams and heavy cream. Heat through, but do not boil, to avoid curdling the cream.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf.
9. Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with the cooked bacon, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and serve with oyster crackers on the side.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this New England Clam Chowder recipe is sure to delight your taste buds with its classic flavors and creamy texture. Enjoy the comfort of homemade soup with this timeless dish.