Savory Manhattan Clam Chowder Delight
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Manhattan Style Clam Chowder, a beloved recipe that combines the freshness of the ocean with hearty vegetables and aromatic herbs. This chowder is a perfect choice for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. Made with tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and zesty tomatoes, each spoonful is a warm embrace that showcases the natural sweetness of baby clams. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete comfort meal. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this chowder is sure to become a staple in your home kitchen.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
2 teaspoons (none)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
carrot
1/2 cup (chopped)
green bell pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
celery
1 rib (chopped)
garlic
3 cloves (minced)
potatoes
3 cups (diced)
diced tomatoes
15 ounces (canned, undrained)
crushed tomatoes
28 ounces (canned)
baby clams
10 ounces (canned, drained and juice reserved)
clam juice
1.5 cups (or use water or chicken broth)
sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (none)
bay leaf
1 leaf (whole)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion, carrot, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Cook while stirring often until the vegetables are softened, about 8 minutes.
3
Stir in the diced potatoes, diced and crushed tomatoes, reserved clam juice, and clam juice or broth. Mix well.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
5
Add the sugar, pepper, thyme, basil, bay leaf, and salt. Adjust salt to taste.
6
Allow the chowder to simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, gently fold in the drained baby clams.
8
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
9
Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Manhattan Clam Chowder Delight?
It is a tomato-based seafood soup featuring tender baby clams, hearty vegetables like potatoes and carrots, and aromatic herbs.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This Manhattan style clam chowder recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What is the difference between Manhattan and New England clam chowder?
Manhattan style uses a tomato and broth base, while New England style uses a cream or milk base.
What kind of clams are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 10 ounces of canned baby clams, ensuring the juice is reserved for the broth.
Can I use fresh clams instead of canned baby clams?
Yes, you can substitute fresh clams, but you will need to clean and steam them open before adding them to the soup.
What vegetables are included in this chowder?
The vegetable base consists of onions, carrots, green bell peppers, celery, garlic, and diced potatoes.
Is this Manhattan Clam Chowder dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free as it uses oil for sautéing and a tomato-based broth.
How long does it take to cook the vegetables?
The initial vegetables should be sautéed for about 8 minutes until softened before adding the liquids.
When should I add the baby clams to the pot?
To keep them tender, gently fold in the drained baby clams during the final 5 minutes of cooking.
Can I substitute the clam juice with something else?
If you do not have enough clam juice, you can substitute it with water or chicken broth.
What types of tomatoes are required?
The recipe calls for a combination of 15 ounces of diced tomatoes and 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes.
Why is sugar included in the ingredients?
A teaspoon of sugar is added to help balance the natural acidity of the canned tomatoes.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The flavor profile is enhanced with dried thyme, dried basil, and a whole bay leaf.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
Potatoes should be diced into small, uniform pieces to ensure they cook through within the simmering time.
Can this clam chowder be frozen?
Yes, because it is tomato-based and contains no dairy, this chowder freezes and reheats very well.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
While the recipe doesn't specify, peeling the potatoes provides a smoother texture, though leaving skins on adds fiber.
How long should the soup simmer?
The chowder should simmer gently for approximately 30 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
Any standard cooking oil or olive oil works well for softening the vegetable aromatics.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is a savory soup. It uses 1/4 teaspoon of pepper for mild seasoning but is not spicy.
Is the Manhattan Clam Chowder gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on canned broth and tomatoes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I add other types of seafood?
Yes, you can easily add shrimp, scallops, or firm white fish pieces to make it a more robust seafood chowder.
Should the diced tomatoes be drained?
No, the diced tomatoes should be added undrained to include all their flavorful juices in the base.
What should I do with the bay leaf?
The bay leaf should be removed and discarded after cooking and before serving the chowder.
Can I use fresh garlic?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 cloves of minced garlic for the best aromatic flavor.
What side dishes pair well with this chowder?
Serve this soup with crusty bread, oyster crackers, or a light side salad.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, sauté the veggies first, then combine everything except the clams in a slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low.
How do I thicken the chowder if I prefer it less watery?
You can mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot to release starch and thicken the broth.
Can I substitute green bell pepper for red?
Yes, red bell pepper can be used if you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
How much salt should I add?
Start with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and adjust to your personal taste at the end of the cooking process.