new england chowder recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best new england chowder recipe

New England chowder is a hearty, comforting soup that originated in the coastal towns of Massachusetts. Its rich flavor profile is characterized by the sweetness of potatoes and onions, the savory taste of clams, and the subtle depth of celery.

This recipe has been passed down through generations of New England cooks, with each iteration reflecting the region’s strong maritime and agricultural heritage. The key to making a great New England chowder lies in its slow-cooked, tender vegetables and its balanced seasoning, which complements the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them.

I love serving this chowder at family gatherings and potlucks because it’s easy to make in large quantities and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. My kids adore it because they can’t get enough of the creamy potatoes and sweet clams.

As for me, I appreciate how this recipe brings our family together around the dinner table, creating memories that will last a lifetime. In addition to its cultural significance, New England chowder is also an excellent choice for everyday meals.

It’s filling without being heavy, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner on-the-go. The dish is also relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods, thanks to its abundance of vegetables and lean protein sources like fish and clams.

Overall, New England chowder is a delicious and satisfying meal option that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

New England Chowder

4.8 from 861 votes

A creamy and comforting classic New England Chowder. This recipe features tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and fresh seafood in a rich, velvety broth.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Base

4 slices bacon, diced
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Chowder

4 cups fish or vegetable stock
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup corn kernels
1 lb fish fillets (such as cod or haddock), cut into chunks
2 cups cooked clams or 12 oz canned clams, drained
salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy and the fat has rendered.
2Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
3Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the bacon fat.
4Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
5Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
6Pour in the fish or vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil.
7Add the diced potatoes, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
8In a separate bowl, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to make a roux.
9Cook the roux over medium heat until it turns light brown, about 3-5 minutes.
10Gradually whisk the roux into the chowder, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
11Add the heavy cream and corn kernels to the chowder.
12Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
13Add the fish chunks and cooked clams, stirring gently to combine.
14Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
15Season the chowder with salt and pepper to taste.
16Stir in the cooked bacon.
17Ladle the chowder into bowls and serve hot.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Mixing bowl
Ladle

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother chowder, you can puree a portion of the potatoes before adding the cream. You can also add additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.

New England chowder is a timeless recipe that never fails to bring people together.

Its rich flavor profile and hearty texture make it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a comforting meal on-the-go.

With its abundance of vegetables and lean protein sources like fish and clams, this recipe is also relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About New England Chowder

Q: What type of potatoes are best for New England chowder?

The best potatoes for New England chowder are high-starch potatoes like Russet or Idaho.

Q: Can I use canned clams instead of fresh?

While you can use canned clams as a substitute, they won’t provide the same rich flavor and texture as fresh clams.

Q: How long does New England chowder take to prepare?

New England chowder typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour to prepare from start to finish.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make New England chowder in a slow cooker; simply brown the bacon and cook the vegetables before transferring everything to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients.

Q: What’s the best way to serve New England chowder?

Serve with oyster crackers or crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Q: Can I store leftover New England chowder in the fridge?

Yes, you can store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Similar Posts