Ultimate New England Clam Chowder
Experience the rich and creamy delight of our Ultimate New England Clam Chowder, a classic dish that embodies the coastal flavors of New England. This easy-to-follow recipe combines succulent clams, savory bacon, and tender potatoes into a hearty chowder that warms both the body and soul. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this chowder is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Prepare it in just under an hour and enjoy the authentic tastes of New England right at home.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
1/2 lb (sliced)
flour
1/2-3/4 cup (for thickening)
baby clams
2 (10 ounce) cans (drained)
minced clams
1 (10 ounce) can (drained)
seafood sauce
1 (10 ounce) can
potatoes
3 medium (cooked and cubed)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
half-and-half
1 pint
milk
1-2 cups (optional, for thinning)
Instructions
1
Start by peeling and cubing the potatoes. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave for 5-8 minutes or until tender. It's easier to cut the potatoes when they are cold, so consider letting them cool before cutting.
2
Chop the onion into small pieces.
3
Slice the bacon into small strips and cook it in a large pot over medium heat until crispy.
4
Once the bacon is cooked, add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until they become translucent and tender, adding a bit of butter or half-and-half if desired.
5
Gradually sprinkle the flour into the pot, stirring continuously to create a roux, which will help thicken the chowder.
6
Slowly pour in the half-and-half while stirring, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency.
7
Next, add the canned baby clams, minced clams (with their juice), seafood sauce, and the cooked diced potatoes into the pot. Stir well to combine.
8
If the chowder is thicker than you prefer, you can adjust the consistency by adding clam juice, milk, half-and-half, or water to reach your desired thickness.
9
For an added kick of flavor, consider mixing in some minced garlic at this stage.
10
Allow the chowder to simmer on low heat for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
26.25g
Carbs
9.375g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate New England Clam Chowder?
It is a rich and creamy seafood soup featuring succulent clams, savory bacon, and tender potatoes, representing the classic coastal flavors of New England.
How long does it take to prepare this chowder?
The recipe is designed to be completed in just under an hour, making it a quick yet authentic meal.
What types of clams are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 10-ounce cans of baby clams and one 10-ounce can of minced clams.
How should I prepare the potatoes for the chowder?
Peel and cube three medium potatoes, then microwave them in a covered bowl for 5-8 minutes until tender before adding them to the pot.
Is it better to cut the potatoes while they are hot or cold?
It is much easier to cut the potatoes when they are cold, so it is recommended to let them cool after microwaving if time permits.
What role does bacon play in this chowder?
Bacon adds a savory, smoky flavor and a crispy texture; it is cooked first so the onions can be sautéed in the rendered fat.
How do you thicken the New England Clam Chowder?
A roux is created by gradually sprinkling 1/2 to 3/4 cup of flour into the pot with the bacon and onions, which helps thicken the liquid.
What is the primary liquid base for this recipe?
The primary creamy base is made using one pint of half-and-half.
Can I adjust the consistency if the chowder is too thick?
Yes, you can reach your desired thickness by adding clam juice, milk, additional half-and-half, or water.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
For an added kick of flavor, you can mix in minced garlic once the clams and potatoes are added to the pot.
How long should the chowder simmer?
The chowder should simmer on low heat for at least 10 minutes, though simmering longer allows the flavors to meld more effectively.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this chowder?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This clam chowder contains 18.75 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of the chowder?
There are approximately 9.375 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
The chowder contains 26.25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I use the juice from the canned clams?
Yes, the minced clams should be added with their juice to enhance the seafood flavor of the chowder.
How much bacon is required?
You will need 1/2 pound of sliced bacon.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one medium onion, finely chopped.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and a hearty soup, perfect for warming the body and soul.
How much flour do I need for the roux?
The recipe suggests between 1/2 and 3/4 cup of flour, depending on your preference for thickness.
Can I use milk instead of half-and-half for the whole recipe?
While half-and-half is used for the creamy base, milk is suggested as an optional ingredient for thinning the chowder.
What is 'seafood sauce' in this context?
The recipe includes one 10-ounce can of seafood sauce to provide a concentrated base of coastal flavors.
How do I prevent the chowder from sticking to the pot?
Stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers on low heat to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom.
Is this clam chowder gluten-free?
No, this specific recipe is not gluten-free as it uses all-purpose flour to create the roux for thickening.
What size cans of clams should I buy?
You should look for 10-ounce cans for both the baby clams and the minced clams.
How do I prepare the onion?
The onion should be chopped into small pieces and sautéed until translucent.
Can I use water to thin the soup?
Yes, water is one of the listed options to adjust the consistency if the chowder becomes too thick.
Should the baby clams be drained?
According to the ingredient list, the baby clams should be drained, while the minced clams are added with their juice.
What makes this chowder 'Ultimate'?
It is considered ultimate because it balances high-quality ingredients like bacon and multiple types of clams with an easy-to-follow, quick preparation method.
Can I add more half-and-half than the recipe calls for?
Yes, if the chowder is thicker than you prefer, you can add more half-and-half to reach your desired creaminess.