Cozy Coastal Clam Chowder
This Cozy Coastal Clam Chowder is the perfect comfort food for chilly winters by the beach. With its rich and creamy base, loaded with tender clams, hearty potatoes, and crispy bacon, this chowder warms not just your body but your soul. It’s a family favorite and receives rave reviews from even the pickiest eaters. Serve it alongside a crusty loaf of bread to soak up every last drop and perhaps a fresh green salad to round out the meal. Easy to make and even better the next day, this chowder is sure to become a staple in your winter repertoire. Enjoy the warmth and love that this truly special recipe brings to your kitchen!
10
Servings
355
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chopped clams
8 (6 1/2 ounce cans, drained)
Baby clams
1 (10 ounce can, drained)
Clam juice
3 1/2 cups (reserved from clams)
Bacon
8-16 slices (fried crisp and chopped, 2 tablespoons fat reserved)
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Celery
2-3 stalks (chopped)
Butter
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Garlic cloves
4 (crushed)
Yukon Gold potatoes
4 medium (peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes)
Crushed dried thyme
1 teaspoon
Milk
1 cup (2% low-fat)
Half-and-half
2 cups
Flour
1/3 cup
Dry white wine
1/2 cup (preferably Chardonnay)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (fresh)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the chopped clams in a colander, reserving the liquid in a large bowl. Set aside to let any sand settle at the bottom.
2
In a large, heavy pot, heat the reserved bacon fat along with 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, cooking until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the crushed garlic, thyme, and diced potatoes, mixing everything together well. Add the drained clams and the reserved clam juice and cooked bacon, ensuring all ingredients are combined.
4
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
5
While the vegetables are simmering, whisk together the flour and the milk in a separate bowl, ensuring it is smooth. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half and the dry white wine until well combined.
6
Once the potatoes are tender, slowly stir in the milk mixture into the pot. Bring the chowder back to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes, allowing the chowder to thicken and flour to cook through.
7
Finally, add the fresh lemon juice and stir well. Allow the chowder to sit on low heat for about an hour so the flavors meld together beautifully.
8
For best flavor, let the chowder cool, then refrigerate it uncovered until the next day before covering it. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
9
This chowder is delicious served with crusty bread and a fresh salad. Enjoy the love and warmth in every spoonful!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
27g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cozy Coastal Clam Chowder?
It is a rich and creamy seafood soup loaded with tender clams, hearty potatoes, and crispy bacon, designed as a comfort food for chilly winter days.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 10 servings.
What types of clams are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses eight 6.5-ounce cans of chopped clams and one 10-ounce can of baby clams.
How much clam juice is needed for the base?
You will need 3.5 cups of clam juice, which is reserved from the canned clams.
Should I save the bacon fat after frying the bacon?
Yes, you should reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat to use for sautéing the vegetables.
What kind of potatoes are best for this chowder?
The recipe calls for medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 355 calories.
Does this recipe contain alcohol?
Yes, it includes 1/2 cup of dry white wine, preferably Chardonnay.
How do I thicken the clam chowder?
The chowder is thickened by whisking 1/3 cup of flour into the milk and half-and-half before adding it to the pot.
How long should the potatoes simmer?
The potatoes should simmer for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
What is the purpose of adding lemon juice at the end?
Fresh lemon juice is added to brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the cream base.
Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, it is actually recommended to make it the day before, as the flavors meld and improve after being refrigerated overnight.
How should I store the chowder overnight?
Let the chowder cool, then refrigerate it uncovered until the next day before covering it.
What is the recommended way to reheat the soup?
Reheat the chowder gently on the stovetop before serving.
What side dishes pair well with this clam chowder?
It is delicious served with a crusty loaf of bread and a fresh green salad.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving.
What type of milk should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of 2% low-fat milk along with 2 cups of half-and-half.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses 4 crushed garlic cloves.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The main herb used is 1 teaspoon of crushed dried thyme, along with salt and pepper to taste.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
You can use between 8 to 16 slices of bacon, fried crisp and chopped.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 17 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that receives rave reviews even from pickiest eaters.
Should the clams be drained before cooking?
Yes, drain the clams in a colander but be sure to reserve the liquid for the soup base.
What vegetables are sautéed at the beginning?
Chopped onions and celery are sautéed in bacon fat and butter until soft and translucent.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 12 grams of protein.
How long should the chowder sit on low heat after adding lemon juice?
It should sit on low heat for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 27 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use butter for sautéing?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter in addition to the reserved bacon fat.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to drain the chopped clams and reserve the liquid in a bowl, letting any sand settle at the bottom.
Is this a good recipe for winter?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as the perfect comfort food for chilly winters by the beach.