Imagine a bowl of pure oceanic bliss that transports you to the rugged, windswept shores of New England with just one spoonful. This isn't just a soup - it's a culinary journey that captures the essence of coastal cuisine, blending rich, velvety cream with tender clams and smoky bacon. Whether you're a seafood lover or a comfort food enthusiast, this New England Clam Chowder promises to warm your soul and tantalize your senses like nothing else.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: New England
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans (6.5 oz) clams, drained
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy and fat has rendered, about 5-6 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon drippings in the pot.
- Add butter to the bacon drippings and sauté chopped onions until translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced potatoes to the pot and stir to coat with the bacon fat and onion mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes to slightly brown the potatoes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until potatoes are tender but not falling apart.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream, being careful not to let the mixture boil.
- Add drained clams and reserved crispy bacon to the pot. Gently stir to combine and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that bacon and clams are naturally salty, so add salt sparingly.
- Remove from heat and let the chowder rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley or oyster crackers.
Tips
- • Use fresh, high-quality clams if possible, but canned clams work wonderfully for convenience • Don't rush the bacon rendering - crispy bacon adds crucial flavor depth • Keep the heat low when adding cream to prevent curdling • For extra richness, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream • Let the chowder rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully develop • Garnish with fresh parsley or oyster crackers for a classic New England touch • If the chowder is too thick, thin with a little extra chicken broth • Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 2-3 days
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 120mg
