The Ultimate New England Clam Chowder: Creamy, Classic Comfort

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a taste of the seaside? This new england clam chowder recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. It's creamy, rich, and honestly, tastes like a hug.

Brief Overview

This traditional clam chowder comes straight from the heart of new england. it's a medium-level recipe. you'll need about an hour, but it's totally worth it! this recipe makes enough for 6-8 people.

Perfect for a cosy night in!

Main Benefits

Clams are packed with vitamin b12, you know? this chowder is perfect for a chilly evening. what makes this authentic new england clam chowder special is its rich flavor.

It's like a little bit of boston in your kitchen.

The Ultimate New England Clam Chowder: Creamy, Classic Comfort Recipe Card

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Preparation time:25 Mins

Cooking time:40 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) Fresh or Canned Clams (Littleneck or Chowder Clams preferred), shucked and chopped, with reserved clam juice
• 4 oz (115g) Salt Pork or Thick-Cut Bacon, diced
• 1 large Yellow Onion, diced (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
• 2 Celery Stalks, diced (approx. 1 cup / 120g)
• 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and diced (approx. 4 cups)
• 4 cups (950ml) Chicken Broth or Fish Stock (or clam juice diluted with water)
• 2 cups (470ml) Whole Milk
• 1 cup (240ml) Heavy Cream
• 4 tbsp (60g) Unsalted Butter
• 1/4 cup (30g) All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1/4 tsp Paprika
• 1/4 tsp Hot Sauce (optional, such as Tabasco or Frank's RedHot)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

• Shuck clams, reserving the juice and chopping the meat. Strain reserved juice through cheesecloth to remove any grit.
• In the pot, cook the salt pork or bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the rendered pork/bacon bits with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
• Add the onion and celery to the pot and sauté in the rendered fat until softened and translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
• Melt butter into the pot with the softened vegetables. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the chicken broth/fish stock or diluted clam juice to the roux, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring to a simmer.
• Add the diced potatoes, thyme, pepper, paprika, and hot sauce (if using). Simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
• Stir in the chopped clams (with reserved clam juice, if fresh), milk, and heavy cream. Heat through gently, being careful not to boil, as this can cause the chowder to curdle.
• Season with salt to taste. Garnish with crispy pork/bacon bits and fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:420 kcal

Fat:28g

Fiber:3g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

What Makes This Clam Chowder So Good?

Okay, so i have to tell you, i spent ages tweaking this creamy clam chowder recipe new england . my nan always made a killer chowder, and this one's inspired by her.

It's not too heavy but still proper comforting. we will use the best clam chowder with bacon and new england clam chowder with fresh clams ! the secret? good quality clams and not being afraid of a little butter!

This boston clam chowder recipe uses simple ingredients. but, the magic is in how you put them together. we're talking potatoes, onion, celery, and of course, clams! it’s all about that perfect balance of savoury and creamy.

Honestly, you won't believe how easy it is to make such a delicious homemade clam chowder recipe . ready to dive in?

This easy clam chowder recipe is surprisingly quick. it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. don't let "chowder" intimidate you, it's easier than it looks! the most important part is using fresh, quality ingredients.

Trust me, it makes all the difference. if you want clam chowder recipe new england easy , start now!

Ingredients You'll Need

• 2 lbs (900g) Fresh or Canned Clams
• 4 oz (115g) Salt Pork or Thick-Cut Bacon
• 1 large Yellow Onion, diced
• 2 Celery Stalks, diced
• 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups (950ml) Chicken Broth or Fish Stock
• 2 cups (470ml) Whole Milk
• 1 cup (240ml) Heavy Cream
• 4 tbsp (60g) Unsalted Butter
• 1/4 cup (30g) All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1/4 tsp Paprika
• 1/4 tsp Hot Sauce (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Chowder Cookin'!

So, you wanna make some proper new england clam chowder recipe ? brilliant! forget that watery stuff. this is the real deal.

This authentic new england clam chowder will blow your socks off. first, let’s gather our bits and bobs. it is easier than you think to create a clam chowder recipe new england easy .

Main Ingredients: From Clams to Cream

Okay, here's what you need. I try to follow this Homemade Clam Chowder recipe as closely as possible.

• Clams: 2 lbs (900g) fresh or canned, chopped, juice reserved. If using fresh, get Littlenecks or Chowder clams. Quality is key. Look for tightly closed shells if fresh. No smelly clams, alright?
• Salt Pork/Bacon: 4 oz (115g), diced. Go for thick-cut bacon. It makes all the difference. I like that Clam Chowder with Bacon touch.
• Yellow Onion: 1 large, diced (approx. 1 cup/ 150g).
• Celery: 2 stalks, diced (approx. 1 cup/ 120g).
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: 2 lbs (900g), peeled and diced (approx. 4 cups). These are the best for creamy clam chowder recipe New England .
• Chicken Broth/Fish Stock: 4 cups (950ml). You can use clam juice diluted with water.
• Whole Milk: 2 cups (470ml).
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml).
• Unsalted Butter: 4 tbsp (60g).
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup (30g).
• Dried Thyme: 1 tsp.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp, freshly ground.
• Paprika: 1/4 tsp.
• Hot Sauce: 1/4 tsp (optional).

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

Now, for the flavour bombs! thyme, pepper, and a hint of paprika are essential . hot sauce? entirely your shout. i sometimes add a tiny dash of worcestershire sauce.

Don't tell anyone! for a traditional clam chowder , use these spices.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Right, no need for fancy gadgets. A proper Boston Clam Chowder recipe requires basic tools.

• Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven: Get your best pot out.
• Cutting board & Sharp knife: Obvious, innit?
• Measuring cups and spoons: Gotta be precise.
• Slotted spoon: For the bacon.
• Immersion Blender: (Optional) For a Best Clam Chowder Recipe , and smoother texture, but don't overdo it!

Honestly, that's it! not scary, right? now, let’s get this new england clam chowder with fresh clams going. i think that fresh clams are better, but you can use canned.

It’s all good!

Cooking Like a True Yankee: The Secret to Perfect Chowder

Alright, let's dive headfirst into making the best clam chowder recipe . we're not just slapping ingredients together here. we're crafting a creamy clam chowder recipe new england style.

It's like a warm hug on a chilly day. i’m telling you, this traditional clam chowder recipe is going to rock your world.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Chowder's Foundation

First, mise en place , my friends. dice that onion and celery. peel and dice the potatoes. get those clams ready.

It's all about having everything at your fingertips. honestly, organization is half the battle.

Time-Saving Tip: Dice all your veggies at once. Store them in containers in the fridge. Boom, you're already ahead. Now let's be safe, watch those fingers!

From Humble Beginnings to Chowder Glory: Step-by-Step

1. Cook that bacon (or salt pork) in your pot over medium heat. You want it crispy.
2. Remove the bacon. Leave that glorious rendered fat. Sauté the onion and celery in the fat. About 5- 7 minutes . They should be soft and translucent.
3. Melt the butter with the veggies. Whisk in the flour. Cook for 1- 2 minutes stirring constantly.
4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth. Make sure there are no lumps. Simmer this mixture.
5. Add the potatoes, thyme, pepper, paprika, and hot sauce. Simmer until potatoes are tender ( 15- 20 minutes ).
6. Stir in the clams, milk, and cream. Heat through gently, do not boil.
7. Season with salt to taste. Top with bacon and parsley. Serve hot.

Pro Tips: Chowder Secrets from a Yankee Wannabe

One expert technique to impress your friends: Rest your chowder! Let it sit for 30 minutes before serving. Flavors meld together perfectly.

A common mistake? Boiling the chowder after adding dairy. Don't do it! It'll curdle and be ruined!

Make-Ahead Option: You can prep the veggies and cook the bacon a day ahead. Store separately in the fridge. Honestly? This easy clam chowder recipe is gonna be a breeze for you!

Remember, this authentic new england clam chowder recipe is meant to be enjoyed. play around with the flavors and make it your own.

It’s a taste of new england, right in your kitchen.

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Clam Chowder

Alright, so you're about to tackle this new england clam chowder recipe . here are a few notes to make sure you knock it out of the park.

I've learned these little tricks over the years. honestly, a little know-how can make all the difference!

Serving Ideas Worth Sharing

Okay, plating. It matters, right? I reckon this traditional clam chowder deserves a bit of love.

• Presentation: Serve this best clam chowder recipe in warmed bowls. Top with crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A swirl of cream? Go wild!

• Sides: think oyster crackers. you know, the little ones? classic! crusty bread for dipping is also a winner. a light green salad cuts through the richness nicely.

  It is awesome served with beer.

Storage Secrets: Keep it Fresh

No one wants dodgy chowder, am I right? Proper storage is key!

• Fridge: Leftovers? Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze it, but the texture might change a bit because of the cream. It's best enjoyed fresh. But, if you must, freeze in individual portions.

• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid boiling. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.

Variations to Make it Your Own

Fancy a change? This clam chowder recipe new england easy can be adapted.

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of dairy. Adds a subtle sweetness!
• Seasonal Swap: In the fall, try adding a little butternut squash. Yum!

Quick Nutrition Lowdown

Let's talk health. roughly, each serving packs 420 calories. it has 25g of protein, and 28g of fat. you also get 20g of carbs.

This authentic new england clam chowder is a great source of protein, right? and let's not forget the cozy factor!

So there you have it! my little notes on this creamy clam chowder recipe new england . now go forth and create some chowder magic.

It's easier than you think! soon you'll be able to whip up a boston clam chowder recipe like a pro.

The most important ingredient is love (and fresh clams, of course). enjoy your new england clam chowder with fresh clams!