clam chowder soup recipe

clam chowder soup recipe

The Best clam chowder soup recipe

I’ve always been a fan of clam chowder, and this recipe never fails to impress. It’s a classic dish that originated in the coastal regions of New England, where clams were abundant and easily accessible. The rich, creamy broth is infused with the sweet flavor of clams, onions, and potatoes, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

I love serving this chowder on a cold winter’s day, when the warm flavors and comforting texture are just what we need to cozy up with. My family and I have enjoyed this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit at our family gatherings. Whether we’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this clam chowder recipe never disappoints.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility – it’s easy to make ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for later use. This makes it perfect for busy households or those who like to plan ahead. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables or potatoes we might have on hand.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we’re chopping up onions or potatoes – they get to learn about where their food comes from and how to prepare it. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good bowl of creamy soup on a chilly day? It’s just one of those comforting foods that never goes out of style.

As an added bonus, clam chowder is also packed with nutrients – clams are an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and fiber. This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a great choice for families looking for healthy meal options.

Classic New England Clam Chowder

Classic New England Clam Chowder

4.5 from 1328 votes

A hearty and comforting clam chowder soup recipe with tender clams, potatoes, and a creamy base. Perfect for a cold day or any time you crave a taste of the sea.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

2 tbsp butter
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium potatoes, diced
2 cups clam juice
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp paprika
12 oz chopped clams
2 cups water
1 bay leaf

For Garnish

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
2Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent and fragrant.
3This should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
4You will see the onion become soft and slightly golden.
5Add diced potatoes to the pot.
6Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic.
7Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8The potatoes will begin to soften slightly.
9Pour in clam juice and water.
10Stir in the bay leaf, salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika.
11Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
12Then, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes.
13The potatoes should be tender and easily pierced with a fork.
14Stir in the chopped clams and heavy cream.
15Cook for an additional 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
16The soup will thicken slightly and the clams will heat through.
17Ensure the soup is hot but not boiling.
18Remove the bay leaf.
19Ladle the clam chowder into bowls.
20Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and shredded cheddar cheese.
21Serve immediately while hot.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother chowder, you can blend a portion of the potatoes before adding the clams and cream.

Watch Video Of How Classic New England Clam Chowder Works

This clam chowder recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need a comforting meal on a chilly day.

One of the best things about this recipe is its ease of preparation – simply sauté the onions and garlic until softened, then add in the remaining ingredients and simmer until heated through.

You can also store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months – perfect for meal prep or special occasion meals.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About New England Clam Chowder

Q: What type of clams should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you can use either littleneck or cherrystone clams. Littleneck clams are smaller and have a sweeter flavor, while cherrystone clams are larger and have a more robust flavor.

Q: Can I make this recipe without dairy?

You can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy milk such as almond milk or soy milk if you prefer a dairy-free version.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

This recipe makes about 6 servings and can be made ahead of time by refrigerating or freezing the soup base without adding the cream until serving.

Q: What if I don’t have any clam juice?

You can omit the clam juice if you don’t have any on hand or substitute it with chicken broth.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients such as diced bell peppers or chopped kale.

Similar Posts