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New England Clam Chowder

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This authentic New England Clam Chowder recipe is rich, creamy, and loaded with clams, potatoes, and bacon. Learn the secrets to the perfect thickness and flavor!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 strips thick-cut bacon
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 ribs celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3 cups Half and Half
  • 8 oz clam juice (bottled)
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 ¼ lbs Yukon Gold or red potatoes, diced
  • 3 (6.5 oz) cans chopped clams, juice reserved
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried parsley
  • ¼ tsp dried thyme
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ⅛ tsp smoked paprika
  • ⅛ tsp pepper
  • Fresh parsley and freshly cracked pepper, for garnish
  • Reserved chopped bacon, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a soup pot, cook bacon over low heat until crisp. Remove and chop. Reserve 2 tbsp bacon fat in pot.
  2. Add butter, then sauté onion and celery for 5-6 minutes. Stir in garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire, and dried seasonings. Cook 1 minute.
  3. Sprinkle flour over veggies and stir for 2 minutes to create a roux.
  4. Add chicken broth slowly, stirring to prevent lumps. Gradually stir in Half and Half. Add bouillon and bay leaf.
  5. Pour in clam juice and reserved juice from clams. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer partially covered for 20 minutes.
  6. Add diced potatoes. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until fork-tender.
  7. Stir in chopped clams. Simmer gently for 5 minutes. Remove bay leaf.
  8. Ladle into bowls and top with bacon, parsley, and black pepper.

Notes

Do not overcook the clams; add them at the end to keep them tender. For best results, use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Avoid freezing as dairy-based soups can separate.

Nutrition

Keywords: clam chowder, new england soup, creamy chowder, seafood comfort food, classic clam chowder

Find it online: https://alexandrarecipes.com/new-england-clam-chowder/