new england style clam chowder recipe

new england style clam chowder recipe

The Best new england style clam chowder recipe

New England style clam chowder is a classic dish that has been a staple in my household for years. It’s a hearty, comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion. The key to making a great clam chowder is to use high-quality ingredients, including fresh clams, potatoes, onions, and celery.

I like to use a combination of salt pork and bacon for added smokiness and depth of flavor. The recipe I’m sharing today is one that’s been passed down through generations of my family, and it’s always a hit with my kids and husband. Whether we’re serving it at a family gathering or just enjoying it on a weeknight, this clam chowder is always a crowd-pleaser.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal preparation and cooking time. Just sauté the aromatics, add in the clams and potatoes, and let it simmer until the flavors have melded together beautifully. It’s the perfect dish for anyone looking to warm up on a cold day or impress their friends with a delicious homemade meal.

In addition to its rich flavor and satisfying texture, clam chowder is also relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods. With its high protein content from the clams and lean fat from the bacon, this dish makes for an excellent option when you’re looking for something filling but still nutritious. My family loves this recipe so much that we’ve even started serving it at our annual Thanksgiving dinner instead of traditional turkey-based sides.

It’s become an integral part of our holiday tradition and always gets rave reviews from our guests.

New England Style Clam Chowder

New England Style Clam Chowder

4.9 from 1884 votes

A hearty and comforting soup featuring tender clams, creamy potatoes, and aromatic vegetables. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Chowder

2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 can diced clams, drained, with juice reserved
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp paprika
2 tbsp all-purpose flour

For Garnish

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2Add the diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrots.
3Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
4Add the diced potatoes and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes begin to soften.
5Stir in the flour to create a roux.
6Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
7Gradually add the reserved clam juice and milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
8Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
9Add the diced clams, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika.
10Stir well to combine.
11Reduce the heat to low and let the chowder simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded.
12Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
13Remove from heat.
14Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and chives.
15Serve hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 15g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute low-fat milk for a lighter option. For a spicier chowder, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

This New England style clam chowder recipe is one that never fails to impress my family and friends alike.

Not only does it taste amazing when served hot over crusty bread or crackers, but it also re-heats beautifully in case you need to serve leftovers later in the week.

When storing leftover clam chowder in the fridge or freezer, be sure to let it cool completely before sealing tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil – doing so will help prevent bacterial growth and keep your soup fresh longer.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About New England Style Clam Chowder

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

A: For this New England style clam chowder recipe, I recommend using quahog clams or littleneck clams. These types of clams have a sweet flavor and firm texture that will hold up well to the long cooking time required by this recipe.

Q: Can I substitute other types of seafood for the clams?

A: While you can use other types of seafood such as mussels or scallops in place of the clams, keep in mind that they may change the flavor profile of the dish slightly.

Q: How do I know if my clam chowder has reached the right consistency?

A: If your clam chowder seems too thin, you can try adding more potatoes or cream to thicken it up. Conversely, if it’s too thick, you can add some water or broth to thin it out.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by preparing all the ingredients through step 5 (adding in the clams) and refrigerating or freezing until ready to serve.

Q: What are some variations on this recipe that I could try?

A: Some ideas for variations on this New England style clam chowder recipe include adding diced tomatoes for extra acidity or using different types of potatoes such as Yukon golds or red bliss.

Q: How do I store leftover clam chowder?

A: To store leftover clam chowder safely, be sure to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking and keep it refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below for up to three days.

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