Hearty Chunky Clam Chowder
Indulge in the comforting embrace of Hearty Chunky Clam Chowder, a recipe that marries the freshness of the ocean with the warmth of a lovingly prepared meal. Inspired by a delightful encounter at a charming San Francisco eatery, this chowder has become a cherished part of our Christmas Eve tradition. With succulent clams, tender vegetables, and a touch of smoky bacon, this dish offers a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Feel free to adapt the ingredients to suit your taste; consider adding an extra can of clams or experimenting with a hint of curry powder for an unexpected twist. Each bowl is a celebration of both flavor and family, making it a must-have for gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
3 slices (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Potatoes
2 cups (cubed)
Carrot
1 cup (coarsely chopped or grated)
Onion
1/2 cup (chopped (leeks can be used for added flavor))
Celery
1/2 cup (chopped (optional))
Condensed Chicken Broth
1 (10.75 ounce) can (preferably use chicken stock)
Minced Clams
1 (6.5 ounce) can (drained, reserve liquid)
Evaporated Milk
1 (12 ounce) can (can substitute with half and half or cream)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Fresh Parsley
2 tablespoons (freshly chopped)
Shortening
2 tablespoons (use Crisco or similar)
Flour
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the bacon into bite-sized pieces and sautéing it in a large pot over medium heat until it becomes crispy and golden.
2
Add the chopped onions and optional celery to the pot, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent.
3
Pour in the chicken broth and add the cubed potatoes, grated carrots, reserved clam juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook until the vegetables are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4
Stir in the evaporated milk (or cream) along with the minced clams and chopped parsley, stirring frequently until heated through but not boiling.
5
For a silky texture, prepare a roux by melting the shortening in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour, cooking until it reaches a golden brown color while constantly stirring.
6
Whisk the roux into the chowder to thicken it, stirring until well incorporated and smooth.
7
If desired, the chowder can be made a day in advance. Allow it to cool, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring it back to a simmer, stirring gently to prevent burning.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Chunky Clam Chowder?
Hearty Chunky Clam Chowder is a comforting seafood soup that combines ocean freshness with succulent clams, tender vegetables, and smoky bacon.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a delightful encounter at a charming San Francisco eatery.
Is this chowder suitable for holiday traditions?
Yes, this chowder has become a cherished part of the creator's Christmas Eve tradition and is perfect for family gatherings.
Can I add more clams to the recipe?
Absolutely, you can adapt the ingredients to your taste, such as adding an extra can of clams for a meatier soup.
What is a unique flavor twist I can add?
Consider experimenting with a hint of curry powder for an unexpected and delicious flavor twist.
How should I prepare the bacon?
The bacon should be cut into bite-sized pieces and sautéed in a large pot over medium heat until it is crispy and golden.
When do I add the onions and celery?
Add the chopped onions and optional celery to the pot after the bacon is crispy, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent.
What type of broth is best for this chowder?
The recipe calls for condensed chicken broth, but using chicken stock is preferred for the best flavor.
How long should the vegetables simmer?
The vegetables, including potatoes and carrots, should simmer in the broth for about 15 to 20 minutes until they are tender.
What should I do with the liquid from the canned clams?
Do not discard the clam liquid; reserve it and add it to the pot along with the chicken broth and vegetables.
Can I substitute the evaporated milk?
Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk with half and half or cream if you prefer a different richness.
How do I ensure the chowder has a silky texture?
A silky texture is achieved by preparing a roux with shortening and flour and whisking it into the chowder to thicken it.
How is the roux prepared?
Melt shortening in a heavy saucepan, gradually whisk in flour, and cook until golden brown while stirring constantly.
When do I add the minced clams and parsley?
Stir in the minced clams and chopped parsley toward the end of the cooking process, along with the evaporated milk.
Should the chowder be boiled after adding the milk and clams?
No, the chowder should be stirred frequently until heated through but not allowed to reach a boil.
Can I make this clam chowder in advance?
Yes, the chowder can be made a day in advance, cooled, and refrigerated.
What is the best way to reheat the chowder?
When ready to serve, bring the refrigerated chowder back to a simmer, stirring gently to prevent it from burning.
How should I prepare the carrots for the soup?
The carrots should be coarsely chopped or grated to provide a hearty texture.
Is celery a mandatory ingredient?
No, the 1/2 cup of chopped celery is optional and can be omitted if desired.
Can I use leeks instead of onions?
Yes, leeks can be used instead of onions to provide an added depth of flavor.
How much bacon is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 slices of bacon.
What kind of shortening is recommended for the roux?
The recipe suggests using Crisco or a similar shortening for the roux.
What are the main seasonings used?
The primary seasonings are salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
How many ingredients are in the Hearty Chunky Clam Chowder?
There are 13 total ingredients in this recipe.
What tags define this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as chowder, clam chowder, seafood, comfort food, holiday recipe, family tradition, hearty soup, and winter recipe.
Is this recipe good for winter?
Yes, it is specifically categorized as a winter recipe and a hearty soup perfect for cold weather.
How many potatoes do I need?
You will need 2 cups of cubed potatoes.
How large should the bacon pieces be?
The bacon should be cut into bite-sized pieces.
What type of clams are used?
The recipe uses one 6.5-ounce can of minced clams.
What is the first step in making this chowder?
The first step is sautéing the bite-sized bacon pieces in a large pot until they are crispy.