Best 8 Best New England Clam Chowder Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to explore the depths of flavor in New England clam chowder, a quintessential dish that captures the essence of coastal New England. This creamy and savory chowder is a symphony of fresh clams, tender potatoes, aromatic vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, all harmoniously blended to create a heartwarming and comforting meal. Whether you prefer the classic white chowder or the indulgent red, this guide will lead you to the perfect recipe to satisfy your cravings and transport you to the shores of New England.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER I



New England Clam Chowder I image

Hot and hearty recipe that will warm you up on cold winter days.

Provided by Debbie2

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Seafood

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 slices bacon, diced
1 ½ cups chopped onion
1 ½ cups water
4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper to taste
3 cups half-and-half
3 tablespoons butter
2 (10 ounce) cans minced clams

Steps:

  • Place diced bacon in large stock pot over medium-high heat. Cook until almost crisp; add onions, and cook 5 minutes. Stir in water and potatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork tender.
  • Pour in half-and-half, and add butter. Drain clams, reserving clam liquid; stir clams and 1/2 of the clam liquid into the soup. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until heated through. Do not allow to boil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 395.8 calories, Carbohydrate 24 g, Cholesterol 101.4 mg, Fat 22.5 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 24.1 g, SaturatedFat 11.5 g, Sodium 706.2 mg, Sugar 2 g

NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER



New England Clam Chowder image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

30 littleneck clams (about 3 pounds), scrubbed
4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 large russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 cups half-and-half
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Chopped fresh chives, for topping (optional)

Steps:

  • Rinse the clams several times under cold running water. Transfer to a large pot and add 3 cups water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then cover and cook until the clams open, about 6 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl; reserve the broth. Transfer the clams to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap so they don't dry out.
  • Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp, about 10 minutes; remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Melt the butter in the same pot over medium heat. Add the celery, onion and thyme and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 10 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in the reserved clam broth, 1 1/2 cups water and the potato. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potato is tender and the soup thickens slightly, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, remove the clams from their shells and roughly chop.
  • Reduce the heat under the soup to medium low. Whisk in the half-and-half and warm through (do not boil). Remove from the heat. Stir in the chopped clams; season with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the reserved bacon and chives.

NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER RECIPE BY TASTY



New England Clam Chowder Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: bacon, onion, celery, carrot, all-purpose flour, black pepper, dried thyme, minced clam, chicken stock, potatoes, heavy cream, bay leaf, oyster cracker

Provided by Jordan Kenna

Categories     Lunch

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 oz bacon, 4 slices, chopped
2 cups onion, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup carrot, diced
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
4 cans minced clam, with juice
1 ½ cups chicken stock
2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cups heavy cream
1 bay leaf
oyster cracker, for garnish

Steps:

  • Place a fine mesh strainer over a medium bowl and strain the 4 cans of minced clams, separating the meat from the juices.
  • Using a 6-quart dutch oven or pot of similar size, fry bacon over medium-high heat until fat renders and the edges begin to crisp.
  • Add onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low and add carrots, celery and flour, stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes to avoid lumps.
  • Add black pepper, thyme, reserved clam juices, chicken stock, diced potatoes, and bay leaf. Stir to incorporate, then cover and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer and let cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Remove bay leaf and add cream. Allow chowder to simmer for an additional 10-20 minutes until soup has thickened to an appropriate consistency.
  • Add in reserved clam meat and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and serve with oyster crackers
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 720 calories, Carbohydrate 37 grams, Fat 53 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 32 grams, Sugar 9 grams

CONTEST-WINNING NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER



Contest-Winning New England Clam Chowder image

This is the best New England clam chowder recipe, ever! In the Pacific Northwest, we dig our own razor clams and I grind them for the chowder. Since these aren't readily available, the canned clams are perfectly acceptable. -Sandy Larson, Port Angeles, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 55m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 center-cut bacon strips
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
3 small potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup water
1 bottle (8 ounces) clam juice
3 teaspoons reduced-sodium chicken bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups fat-free half-and-half, divided
2 cans (6-1/2 ounces each) chopped clams, undrained

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain; set aside. Saute celery and onion in the drippings until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the potatoes, water, clam juice, bouillon, pepper and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender, 15-20 minutes., In a small bowl, combine flour and 1 cup half-and-half until smooth. Gradually stir into soup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes., Stir in clams and remaining half-and-half; heat through (do not boil). Crumble the cooked bacon; sprinkle over each serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 260 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 22mg cholesterol, Sodium 788mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER



New England Clam Chowder image

For a bowl of creamy comfort, try Dave Lieberman's New England Clam Chowder recipe from Food Network, perfect with homemade baguette croutons.

Provided by Dave Lieberman

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 celery stalks (reserve tender leaves) trimmed, quartered lengthwise, then sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2 (10-ounce) cans chopped clams in juice
1 cup heavy cream
2 bay leaves
1 pound Idaho potatoes, cut into 1/2- inch cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 to 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and celery and saute until softened, mixing often. Stir in the flour to distribute evenly. Add the stock, juice from 2 cans of chopped clams (reserve clams), cream, bay leaves, and potatoes and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, stirring consistently (the mixture will thicken), then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook 20 minutes, stirring often, until the potatoes are nice and tender. Then add clams and season to taste with salt and pepper, cook until clams are just firm, another 2 minutes.;
  • Melt the butter in a large skillet and toss the bread cubes in the butter until browned and toasted, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add parsley and season with salt and pepper.;

TRADITIONAL NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER



Traditional New England Clam Chowder image

I left a cruise ship with a great souvenir...the recipe for this splendid chowder! It's a traditional soup that stands the test of time. -Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 55m

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

12 fresh cherrystone clams
3 cups cold water
2 bacon strips, diced
1 small onion, chopped
2 medium potatoes, peeled and finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup half-and-half cream

Steps:

  • Tap clams; discard any that do not close. Place clams and water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5-6 minutes or until clams open. , Remove meat from clams; chop meat and set aside. Strain liquid through a cheesecloth-lined colander; set aside., In a large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels. Saute onion in drippings until tender., Return bacon to the pan; add clam meat and reserved liquid. Stir in the potatoes, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender., Combine flour and milk until smooth; gradually stir into soup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Gradually stir in cream; heat through (do not boil).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 138 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 24mg cholesterol, Sodium 175mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

THE BEST CLAM CHOWDER



The Best Clam Chowder image

This is a basic New England clam chowder, though with leeks used in place of the traditional onions, and a splash of wine to add a floral note. Also: thyme. Very continental! It is shockingly delicious and deserves its title as best. Bacon will add a smoky note to the stew. If you use it, it may be worth it to go the whole distance and get expensive double-smoked bacon instead of the standard supermarket fare. The salt pork, which is not smoked, will take the meal in the opposite direction, emphasizing the pure flavor of the clams.

Provided by Sam Sifton

Time 1h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

24 medium-size quahog clams, usually rated ''top neck'' or ''cherrystone,'' rinsed
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 pound slab bacon or salt pork, diced
2 leeks, tops removed, halved and cleaned, then sliced into half moons
3 large Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 sprigs thyme
1 bay leaf
2 cups cream
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped parsley.

Steps:

  • Put the clams in a large, heavy Dutch oven, add about 4 cups water, then set over medium-high heat. Cover, and cook until clams have opened, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. (Clams that fail to open after 15 to 20 minutes should be discarded.) Strain clam broth through a sieve lined with cheesecloth or doubled-up paper towels, and set aside. Remove clams from shells, and set aside as well.
  • Rinse out the pot, and return it to the stove. Add butter, and turn heat to medium-low. Add bacon or salt pork, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered and the pork has started to brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove pork from fat, and set aside.
  • Add the leeks to the fat, and cook, stirring frequently, until they are soft but not brown, about 10 minutes. Stir in potatoes and wine, and continue cooking until wine has evaporated and the potatoes have just started to soften, approximately 5 minutes. Add enough clam broth to just cover the potatoes, approximately 3 cups, reserving the rest for another use. Add the thyme and the bay leaf.
  • Partly cover the pot, and simmer gently until potatoes are tender, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, chop the clams into bits about the size of the bacon dice.
  • When potatoes are tender, add cream and stir in chopped clams and reserved bacon. Add black pepper to taste. Let come to a simmer, and remove from heat. (Do not let chowder come to a full boil.) Fish out the thyme and the bay leaf, and discard.
  • The chowder should be allowed to sit for a while to cure. Reheat it to a bare simmer before serving, then garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with oyster crackers.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 398, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 26 grams, Fat 28 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 9 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Sodium 544 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams

MY BEST NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER



My Best New England Clam Chowder image

My husband and I love soups and chowders. This is one of my husband's favorites. Originally from a magazine clipping, I've "futzed" around with it until it suits our tastes. It makes one Dutch oven full and the servings depend on how much you eat. I usually eat one bowl and my husband finishes off the rest. (He loves it!) Start to finish it takes less than an hour to make.

Provided by anni703

Categories     Chowders

Time 35m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 -6 ounces salt pork, diced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup chopped onion (I always use a sweet onion)
2 tablespoons flour
fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
thyme (to taste})
5 cups cooked diced potatoes
1 quart half-and-half (you can use fat free)
1 cup approx. low sodium chicken broth
3 (6 1/2 ounce) cans minced clams or 3 (6 1/2 ounce) cans chopped clams, plus
1 cup clam juice
chopped Italian parsley
fresh lemon juice, to taste
hot pepper sauce
salt

Steps:

  • Cover salt pork with water and bring to boil over med-hi heat. Cook 5 minutes.
  • With slotted spoon, transfer pork to dutch oven and cook over med-hi heat until crisp. Remove and discard pork and all but a little bit of the drippings.
  • Add butter and when melted, add the onions and saute until golden.
  • Stir in flour and cook over low heat 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Stir in the pepper and thyme. Add potatoes, 1/2 & 1/2 and chicken broth.
  • Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes. (Be careful and watch that it doesn't cook above a simmer or very long!).
  • Add clams, clam juice, parsley; simmer another 5 min.; stirring occasionally.
  • Add lemon juice and pepper sauce and salt to taste. Serve with oyster crackers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1046.9, Fat 65.6, SaturatedFat 33.4, Cholesterol 237, Sodium 908.4, Carbohydrate 64.6, Fiber 5, Sugar 5.7, Protein 50.1

Tips:

  • Use fresh clams: Fresh clams will give your chowder the best flavor. If you can't find fresh clams, you can use frozen clams, but make sure to thaw them before using.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: Don't just stick to potatoes and celery. Add other vegetables like carrots, corn, and onions for a more flavorful chowder.
  • Don't overcook the clams: Clams only need to be cooked for a few minutes, or they will become tough. Add them to the chowder last, and cook just until they are opaque.
  • Use a good quality broth: The broth is the base of your chowder, so make sure to use a good quality one. You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or clam broth. If you're using clam broth, be sure to dilute it with water, as it can be too salty.
  • Season to taste: Don't be afraid to season your chowder to taste. Add salt, pepper, and other spices until it reaches the desired flavor.

Conclusion:

New England clam chowder is a classic dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a little planning, you can make a delicious pot of clam chowder that will warm you up from the inside out.

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