Deluxe Manhattan Clam Chowder with Shrimp
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Deluxe Manhattan Clam Chowder, meticulously crafted for seafood lovers and culinary connoisseurs alike. This delightful chowder is a harmonious blend of tender clams, succulent shrimp, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered with fragrant herbs and spices. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, this chowder is sure to impress with its robust taste and comforting texture. Each bowl is a promise of warmth and satisfaction, making it an unforgettable dish that your friends and family will rave about!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chowder clams
2 dozen (steamed and chopped)
Bacon
6 slices (cooked until slightly crisp)
Chopped onions
1 1/2 cups (fresh)
Chopped green pepper
1 cup (fresh)
Chopped carrots
1 1/2 cups (fresh)
Chopped celery
1 cup (fresh)
Crushed tomatoes
28 ounces (canned (preferably Red Pack))
Water
3 cups (for simmering)
Bay leaf
1 (whole)
Thyme
1 teaspoon (dried)
Fresh ground pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Potatoes
4 (cubed)
Fresh parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
Cooked jumbo shrimp
1 lb (optional, may be added gently)
Instructions
1
Begin by steaming the clams in a large pot. Reserve the clam broth, ensuring you have approximately 3 cups of liquid.
2
Once the clams are steamed, chop them into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
3
In the same large pot, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until it is slightly crisp. This will infuse the pot with a delicious smoky flavor.
4
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until they are translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
5
Next, introduce the chopped green pepper, carrots, and celery. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute, allowing the veggies to soften slightly.
6
Incorporate the chopped clams, crushed tomatoes, reserved clam broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, and ground pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.
7
Bring the chowder to a gentle boil, then add the cubed potatoes. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
8
Once the potatoes are cooked, remove the bay leaf and fold in the chopped parsley for a fresh burst of flavor.
9
If you’re using cooked shrimp, add them to the pot now. Be careful not to overcook; simply warm them through to preserve their tenderness.
10
Finally, season the chowder with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Deluxe Manhattan Clam Chowder with Shrimp?
It is a premium, tomato-based seafood soup that combines tender steamed clams, succulent jumbo shrimp, smoky bacon, and a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to produce 10 servings, making it ideal for large family gatherings or meal prep.
What is the difference between Manhattan and New England clam chowder?
Manhattan clam chowder uses a tomato-based broth with various vegetables, whereas New England style is cream-based and typically contains fewer types of vegetables.
How do I prepare the clams for this chowder?
Steam two dozen chowder clams in a large pot, reserve the liquid broth, and then chop the clams into bite-sized pieces.
How much clam broth should I reserve?
You should aim to save approximately 3 cups of the liquid produced during the steaming process to use as the soup base.
What role does bacon play in this recipe?
The bacon is cooked until slightly crisp to infuse the pot with a smoky flavor that serves as the foundation for the chowder.
Which vegetables are used in the base of the soup?
The base includes fresh chopped onions, green peppers, carrots, and celery.
What type of tomatoes are recommended?
The recipe calls for 28 ounces of crushed canned tomatoes, specifically recommending the Red Pack brand for best results.
When do I add the potatoes to the pot?
Add the cubed potatoes after bringing the liquid mixture (broth, tomatoes, water, and spices) to a gentle boil.
How long should the chowder simmer?
The chowder should simmer on low heat for approximately 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
When is the best time to add the shrimp?
Since the shrimp are already cooked, fold them into the pot at the very end just to warm them through without making them rubbery.
What kind of shrimp should I use?
The recipe suggests 1 lb of cooked jumbo shrimp for a deluxe, meaty texture.
Which herbs and spices provide the flavor?
The chowder is seasoned with a bay leaf, dried thyme, fresh ground pepper, and finished with fresh chopped parsley.
Do I need to remove the bay leaf?
Yes, remove the bay leaf after the simmering process is complete and before serving the soup.
Can I substitute the water in the recipe?
You can substitute the 3 cups of water with additional seafood stock or bottled clam juice for an even more intense ocean flavor.
Is this Manhattan Clam Chowder dairy-free?
Yes, unlike New England style chowder, this recipe contains no milk, cream, or butter, making it naturally dairy-free.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are gluten-free; however, always verify that your specific brand of bacon and canned tomatoes do not contain hidden gluten additives.
Can I use frozen clams?
Yes, you can use frozen chopped clams if fresh are unavailable, but you may need to purchase separate clam juice if they don't provide enough broth.
What type of potatoes work best?
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well in long-simmering soups, though Russets are also commonly used.
How should I store leftover chowder?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can this chowder be frozen?
Yes, because it is tomato-based, this chowder freezes better than cream-based versions. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the chowder?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp and clams.
What can I use instead of bacon for a pork-free version?
You can use olive oil to sauté the vegetables and add a drop of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to replicate the smoky flavor.
Can I add other types of seafood?
Absolutely; scallops, firm white fish, or calamari would make excellent additions to this deluxe chowder.
How should I garnish the dish?
Garnish with additional fresh parsley and perhaps a side of oyster crackers or crusty bread.
What size should I cut the vegetables?
The vegetables should be chopped into small, uniform pieces so that they cook evenly and fit comfortably on a spoon.
Is this chowder spicy?
As written, the chowder is savory rather than spicy. You can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer heat.
What if I don't have fresh parsley?
While fresh parsley is recommended for a burst of flavor, you can use 1-2 tablespoons of dried parsley added during the simmering stage.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can sauté the vegetables and bacon first, then add everything except the shrimp and parsley to a slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low.
Does the quality of the tomatoes matter?
Yes, using high-quality crushed tomatoes like Red Pack ensures a rich, thick base that isn't overly acidic.