Clam Chowder is a creamy and hearty soup that features tender clams and flavorful vegetables. Here's a simple recipe to guide you through making this delicious dish:
Ingredients:
2 dozen fresh clams
3 slices of bacon, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups of potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups of chicken broth
1 teaspoon of thyme
1 bay leaf
1 cup of heavy cream
2 tablespoons of butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Clams:
Scrub the clams to remove any dirt or sand.
In a large pot, add 1 cup of water and the cleaned clams.
Cover and steam the clams over medium-high heat until they open, about 5-7 minutes.
Discard any clams that do not open.
Remove the clams from their shells, chop them, and set aside. Reserve the clam broth.
Cook the Bacon and Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
Add Garlic, Potatoes, and Broth:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute.
Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, reserved clam broth, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Make the Chowder Base:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the bay leaf from the pot.
Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, creating a creamy base with some chunky texture.
Add Clams and Cream:
Return the chopped clams and cooked bacon to the pot.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
Allow the chowder to simmer gently for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.
Finish and Serve:
Stir in the butter until melted, which will add a rich finish to the chowder.
Season the chowder with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
Ladle the clam chowder into serving bowls.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Enjoy:
Serve the clam chowder hot, accompanied by crusty bread or oyster crackers.
This Clam Chowder recipe offers a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture, combined with the flavours of clams, vegetables, and bacon, makes it a delightful choice for seafood lovers.