Best 6 Maine Style Clam Chowder Recipes

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For New Englanders, clam chowder is more than just a meal; it's a piece of cultural heritage. From the bustling streets of Boston to the rugged shores of Maine, this hearty and flavorful soup has been a staple in the region's cuisine for centuries. And while there are countless variations on the classic recipe, each with its own unique twist, one thing remains constant: the unwavering commitment to using the freshest, most succulent clams. In this article, we'll take a culinary journey to Maine, where we'll uncover the secrets behind their world-famous clam chowder. From the choice of clams to the perfect balance of seasonings, we'll guide you through the steps of creating an authentic Maine-style clam chowder that will warm your soul and transport you to the rocky coast of this beautiful state. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the bounty of the sea!

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

MAINE CLAM CHOWDER



Maine Clam Chowder image

Make and share this Maine Clam Chowder recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Vicki in CT

Categories     Chowders

Time 40m

Yield 2 1/2 quarts, 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 small potatoes, peeled, diced, and boiled
1/4 lb butter
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
2 scallions, chopped
2/3 cup flour
32 ounces clam juice
1 cup half-and-half
1 cup white wine
2 lbs clams
1 teaspoon tarragon
1/2 teaspoon thyme
salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Melt butter in large pot. Add onions, celery, and scallions. Saute until vegetables are softened. Add the flour and cook 2-4 minutes longer, but do not brown.
  • Stirring constantly add the clam juice. Simmer for 5-10 minutes. Add half and half and wine. Add clams and potatoes. Add seasonings.
  • Gently simmer soup but do not allow it to boil for 8-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 342, Fat 13.2, SaturatedFat 7.8, Cholesterol 60.6, Sodium 975.5, Carbohydrate 34.3, Fiber 2.4, Sugar 4.3, Protein 17.1

MAINE CLAM CHOWDER



Maine Clam Chowder image

Maine Clam Chowder is made from soft shell clams that are native to Maine. They are very sweet, if you could call a clam that. When you add milk, cream, onions, and potatoes, you have a wonderful "chowdah".

Provided by Mimi in Maine

Categories     Chowders

Time 50m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

5 cups bottled clam juice
2/3 cup flour
1 cup onion (finely chopped)
6 ounces salt pork fat, diced (or 8 slices of bacon diced)
2 tablespoons butter
8 ounces cooked clams (chopped)
4 medium potatoes (cooked and cut in bite-sized chunks)
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup cream
1 teaspoon salt
pepper

Steps:

  • Fry the diced salt pork--"porkies" (or bacon) in a pan till done; drain and set aside.
  • Heat the clam juice in a large saucepan on medium heat.
  • In separate pan put the butter and onions and sauté till translucent.
  • Add the flour and whisk continuously for 5 minutes.
  • Add to the clam juice slowly whisking all the while so there will be no lumps.
  • Add the clams and stir; add potato chunks, milk, cream, salt, and pepper.
  • Decrease heat and simmer for about 20 minutes stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  • When you serve, put the "porkies" (fried salt pork) or bacon on the table to put in the individual bowls.
  • Make this a day ahead for flavor.
  • NOTE: If fresh clams are not available, substitute a 6 ounce can of clams including the juice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 849.2, Fat 59.8, SaturatedFat 31.1, Cholesterol 117.7, Sodium 1340, Carbohydrate 61.4, Fiber 5.8, Sugar 3.5, Protein 17.1

MAINE CLAM CHOWDER



Maine Clam Chowder image

This chowder is thin and brothy, not thick and creamy. Other than that it is a recipe that goes back in my family probably a century or more. It is easy to make, with one exception, and it is an important one: You cannot allow this to boil, or even simmer, once the milk has been added. It will curdle. There are two ways to help stop this from happening. First, you can heat the milk and evaporated milk to steaming before adding it to the chowder pot. Or you can do what mom often does, which is to let the chowder base cool to room temperature before adding the milk and then reheating it; this process is called "ripening."

Provided by Hank Shaw

Categories     Soup

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 tablespoons butter
1/4 pound salt pork or bacon, (minced)
1 large onion, (about 1 1/2 to 2 cups, chopped)
2 pounds potatoes, (about 3 to 4 cups, peeled and diced)
1 quart clam juice
1 pound chopped clams, (about 1 pint)
A 12-ounce can of evaporated milk ((do not use lowfat milk))
3 cups whole milk
Black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • In a large soup pot, heat the butter over medium heat and add the diced salt pork and onions. Fry this slowly until the the onions are soft and translucent. Do not brown the onions.
  • Mix in the potatoes and the clam juice and add enough water to just barely cover the potatoes. Bring this to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
  • When the potatoes are just about tender -- not completely cooked -- add the chopped clams and turn off the heat. Let this cool for at least 30 minutes. You can make this chowder base up to a day ahead if you'd like.
  • Once the chowder base is pretty cool (below 100°F), add the milk and evaporated milk and turn the heat on low. Gently bring the chowder up to eating temperature, and be very careful not to let it simmer. Add some freshly ground black pepper to taste and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 257 kcal, Carbohydrate 19 g, Protein 6 g, Fat 18 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Cholesterol 31 mg, Sodium 925 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 9 g, ServingSize 1 serving

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

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

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

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 be sure to thaw them completely before using.
  • Don't overcook the clams: Clams are delicate and can easily be overcooked. Cook them just until they are opaque, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Use a good quality clam juice: Clam juice is an important ingredient in clam chowder, so be sure to use a good quality brand. Look for clam juice that is made from fresh clams and that has a clear, light color.
  • Add vegetables: Vegetables add flavor and texture to clam chowder. Common vegetables used in clam chowder include potatoes, onions, celery, and carrots. You can also add other vegetables, such as corn, peas, or bell peppers.
  • Season to taste: Clam chowder should be seasoned to taste. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add other seasonings, such as bay leaves, thyme, or rosemary.
  • Serve with oyster crackers: Oyster crackers are a classic accompaniment to clam chowder. They add a crunchy texture and a salty flavor that complements the chowder perfectly.

Conclusion:

Maine-style clam chowder is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is made with fresh clams, clam juice, vegetables, and seasonings. The chowder is thickened with flour or cornstarch and then served with oyster crackers. Maine-style clam chowder is a classic New England dish that is enjoyed by people all over the world.

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