Contest-Winning New England Clam Chowder

This is the finest clam chowder recipe I’ve ever tried! We dig our own razor clams in the Pacific Northwest, and I grind them for the chowder. Because fresh clams aren’t always available, canned clams are a good substitute.

Prep: 20 min.          Cook: 35 min.        Servings:  servings

Ingredients

4 center-cut bacon strips

2 celery ribs, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

3 small potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 cup water

1 bottle (8 ounces) clam juice

3 teaspoons reduced-sodium chicken bouillon granules

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups fat-free half-and-half, divided

2 cans (6-1/2 ounces each) chopped clams, undrained

Directions

Cook bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove to a plate lined with paper towels to drain; set aside. In the drippings, cook the celery and onion until soft. Cook for a further minute after adding the garlic. In a large mixing bowl, combine the potatoes, water, clam juice, bouillon, pepper, and thyme. Bring the water to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are cooked.

Combine flour and 1 cup half-and-half in a small mixing basin and whisk until smooth. Stir gradually into the soup. Bring to a boil, then cook and stir for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Heat through the clams and the remaining half-and-half (do not boil). Cooked bacon should be crumbled and sprinkled over each serving..

CLAM CHOWDER TIPS

1. What is New England clam chowder?

Clams, potatoes, onions, salted pork, and milk or cream are common ingredients in New England clam chowder. The use of dairy is the most notable distinction from other chowders. Clam chowder from New England is a traditional American dish that dates back to the 1700s. Check out some of our other delectable New England dishes!

2. What can I put on top of clam chowder?

Oyster crackers, diced cooked bacon, and fresh chives are traditional clam chowder toppings.

One of the most popular toppings is shredded cheddar cheese, which is typically sprinkled on top of clam chowder in the form of chunks or tiny crumbs.

When it comes to your classic clam chowder recipe, you can also try adding sauteed red bell pepper and potatoes instead. You can even use fresh baby clams as ingredients to add more flavor.

3. Can I put clam chowder on top of pasta?

Yes, clam chowder is also a very well-known recipe used for topping pasta. So, if you want to go for a pasta dinner with your family, try adding clam chowder on the side. Your family will enjoy the different flavors and textures of the sauce and pasta.

In my opinion, a great combination is Italian sausage ravioli with garlic bread and delicious clam chowder. If your kids love seafood, spaghetti with clams will definitely be their favorite meal. It tastes better when you cook it in your own home and make it as you like according to your taste.

4. How can you make clam chowder thicker?

A slurry, made from fat-free half-and-half and flour, thickens this clam chowder. You can avoid clumping by combining these two together. Cook the soup until it has thickened and the flour flavor has vanished. Take a look at these extra soup thickening suggestions!

Nutrition Facts

1-1/3 Cups: 260 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 788mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.