Steamer clam chowder is a hearty, flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold day. It is made with fresh steamer clams, potatoes, onions, celery, and butter, and is thickened with flour and milk. Clam chowder is a classic New England dish, but it is enjoyed all over the world. There are many different recipes for clam chowder, but they all share a few common ingredients and techniques. In this article, we will explore some of the best recipes for steamer clam chowder, and provide tips on how to make the perfect bowl of chowder.
Here are our top 13 tried and tested recipes!
THE BEST CLAM CHOWDER
This truly is The Best Clam Chowder Recipe ever. The secret is steaming fresh clams yourself. It's easier than you think and totally worth the extra effort!
Provided by Erica Walker
Categories Soup
Time 1h30m
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 325. In a glass baking dish, whisk together flour and melted butter until combined. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and crumbly. Set aside.
- In a large pot, melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter and add celery, onion, and leeks. Cook on medium heat for about 3-5 minutes or until soft and slightly transparent.
- Add all the remaining ingredients EXCEPT the butter/flour mixture, half & half, and clams. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until potatoes are cooked through and fork tender.
- Add the butter/flour mixture into chowder and stir until thick. The mixture will be extremely thick.
- Remove chowder from heat and stir in half & half until blended and smooth. Heat to serving temperature (do not bring to a boil), stirring occasionally. Once the chowder has thickened slightly, stir in the clams. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Carbohydrate 39 g, Protein 10 g, Fat 37 g, SaturatedFat 23 g, Cholesterol 109 mg, Sodium 1443 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 4 g, Calories 521 kcal, ServingSize 1 serving
STEAMER CLAM CHOWDER RECIPE - (4.1/5)
Provided by á-25087
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Fill two large pots (or two sinks) with cold water. Place the clams in one pot of water, discarding any dead ones or clams with cracked shells. Gently move them around in the water and let them soak for a few minutes, then lift them out and place them in the other pot of cold water. Rinse the first pot and fill it again. Move the clams around again, then transfer them back to the clean pot. Continue to switch the clams back and forth, letting them soak for a few minutes each time, and then lifting them out of the pot, until the water remains crystal clear. The process should take four or five soakings. Put the 2 cups water in an 8-quart pot, cover, and bring to a rolling boil. Quickly but gently place the clams in the pot and cover again. After 4 minutes, remove the lid and quickly stir the clams with a wooden spoon, trying to lift some of the clams from the bottom to the top so they will cook evenly-but be gentle, the shells are very brittle and crack easily. Cover and continue to steam for another 4 to 5 minutes. (The broth will most likely overflow just as the clams have finished cooking.) All the clams should be open; if not, steam them a minute or two longer. Remove the clams and strain the broth; you should have 4 cups. When the clams are cool, remove them from the shells and cut off the siphons, as well as the protective skin that covers each siphon, and discard. (You should have about 1 pound of clam meat.) Cover and refrigerate until later. Heat a 4- to 6-quart heavy pot over low heat and add the diced salt pork. Once it has rendered a few tablespoons of fat, increase the heat to medium and cook until the pork is crisp and golden brown. With a slotted spoon, transfer the cracklings to a small ovenproof dish, leaving the fat in the pot, and reserve until later. Add the butter, onion, celery, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot and saute, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables are softened but not browned. Add the potatoes and the reserved clam broth. The broth should just barely cover the potatoes; if it doesn't, add enough water to cover them. Turn up the heat and bring to a boil, cover, and cook the potatoes vigorously for about 10 minutes, or until they are soft on the outside but still firm in the center. If the broth hasn't thickened lightly, smash a few potatoes against the side of the pot and cook a minute or two longer to release the starch. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the clams and the cream and season to taste with black pepper and possibly a pinch of salt (the saltiness of steamers varies). If you are not serving the chowder within the hour, let it cool a bit, then refrigerate; cover the chowder after it has chilled completely. Otherwise, let it sit at room temperature for up to an hour, allowing the flavors to meld. When ready to serve, reheat the clam chowder over low heat; don't let it boil. Try not to stir too often, because you don't want to break open the clam bellies. Warm the cracklings in a low oven 200°F (90°C) for a few minutes. Ladle the clm chowder into cups or bowls, making sure that the steamers, onions, and potatoes are evenly divided. Scatter the cracklings over the individual servings and sprinkle with the chopped parsley and minced chives
STEAMED CLAMS
Provided by Robert Irvine : Food Network
Categories appetizer
Time 25m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Wash the clams thoroughly and remove any blemishes. They should have no odor. Heat oil in a large saucepan (with a cover) over medium heat and cook garlic and onion until translucent. Add the wine and let cook for a couple of minutes to combine the flavors. Add the clams and clam juice (or water) and cover the pan for about 10 minutes until the clams open. Discard any clams that do not open and remove clams to serving bowls. Season the juices in the pan with salt and pepper to make a sauce. Pour the sauce and melted butter over the clams.
STEAMER CLAM CHOWDER
Steps:
- 1. Fill two large pots (or two sinks) with cold water. Place the clams in one pot of water, discarding any dead ones or clams with cracked shells. Gently move them around in the water and let them soak for a few minutes, then lift them out and place them in the other pot of cold water. Rinse the first pot and fill it again. Move the clams around again, then transfer them back to the clean pot. Continue to switch the clams back and forth, letting them soak for a few minutes each time, and then lifting them out of the pot, until the water remains crystal clear. The process should take four or five soakings.
- 2. Put the 2 cups water in an 8-quart pot, cover, and bring to a rolling boil. Quickly but gently place the clams in the pot and cover again. After 4 minutes, remove the lid and quickly stir the clams with a wooden spoon, trying to lift some of the clams from the bottom to the top so they will cook evenly - but be gentle, the shells are very brittle and crack easily. Cover and continue to steam for another 4 to 5 minutes. (The broth will most likely overflow just as the clams have finished cooking.) All the clams should be open; if not, steam them a minute or two longer. Remove the clams and strain the broth; you should have 4 cups.
- 3. When the clams are cool, remove them from the shells and cut off the siphons, as well as the protective skin that covers each siphon, and discard. (You should have about 1 pound of clam meat.) Cover and refrigerate until later.
- 4. Heat a 4- to 6-quart heavy pot over low heat and add the diced salt pork. Once it has rendered a few tablespoons of fat, increase the heat to medium and cook until the pork is crisp and golden brown. With a slotted spoon, transfer the cracklings to a small ovenproof dish, leaving the fat in the pot, and reserve until later.
- 5. Add the butter, onion, celery, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot and sauté, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables are softened but not browned.
- 6. Add the potatoes and the reserved clam broth. The broth should just barely cover the potatoes; if it doesn't, add enough water to cover them. Turn up the heat and bring to a boil, cover, and cook the potatoes vigorously for about 10 minutes, or until they are soft on the outside but still firm in the center. If the broth hasn't thickened lightly, smash a few potatoes against the side of the pot and cook a minute or two longer to release the starch.
- 7. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the clams and the cream and season to taste with black pepper and possibly a pinch of salt (the saltiness of steamers varies). If you are not serving the chowder within the hour, let it cool a bit, then refrigerate; cover the chowder after it has chilled completely. Otherwise, let it sit at room temperature for up to an hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 8. When ready to serve, reheat the chowder over low heat; don't let it boil. Try not to stir too often, because you don't want to break open the clam bellies. Warm the cracklings in a low oven (200°F) for a few minutes.
- 9. Ladle the chowder into cups or bowls, making sure that the steamers, onions, and potatoes are evenly divided. Scatter the cracklings over the individual servings and sprinkle with the chopped parsley and minced chives.
CLAM CHOWDER
Provided by Alton Brown
Time 40m
Yield 4 large servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepot, render the salt pork until just crisp. Remove and discard. Sweat the onion in the pork fat until tender. Add the potatoes and cover with milk. Bring to a boil and let simmer until potatoes are soft. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a separate pot, fitted with a steamer basket, bring the reserved clam juice to a boil. Add clams and cover. Steam for three minutes until all clams are open. Remove the clams as they open and transfer to a bowl. Add the steaming juices to the pot with the chowder. Using a stick blender puree to desired consistency. Adjust seasonings.
- Finely chop the drained canned clams. Fold into the chowder. Serve with steamed clams, parsley, sour cream and grape tomatoes, as garnish.
OLD-FASHIONED CLAM CHOWDER
Provided by Nancy Harmon Jenkins
Categories soups and stews, appetizer
Time 1h
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Pick over clams, discarding any with cracked shells or that feel heavy, an indication they are full of mud. Rinse them under cold running water to get rid of surface grit. If clams are very gritty, set them in a bowl with brine solution and keep cool, or refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.
- Drain clams, and place in a large, heavy soup kettle; add about 1/2 inch water to kettle, and set over medium heat. Cook, uncovered, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until all clams have opened. As they open, remove them from kettle and set aside. (Any clams that fail to open after 10 to 15 minutes should be discarded.) Strain clam liquor through several layers of cheesecloth into a 2-cup measuring cup, and set aside. Remove clams from shells, and set aside.
- Rinse out soup kettle and return to stove top. Add salt pork, pancetta or bacon dice and 1 tablespoon butter, and cook slowly over medium-low heat until dice brown a little on edges. Use a slotted spoon to remove dice from fat. Set aside.
- Add onions to fat and cook, stirring frequently, until soft but not brown. Stir in potatoes, and continue cooking another 5 minutes, until potatoes begin to soften. Add enough water to clam liquor in measuring cup to make 2 cups; pour this over potatoes. Add black pepper and bay leaves.
- Simmer gently, partially covered, until potatoes are tender. Add whole milk and simmer again. Stir in clams and evaporated milk or cream, stirring gently so as not to break open clam bellies. Taste, and add salt if necessary. Let come just to a simmer, and remove from heat. (Do not let chowder come to a full boil.)
- Chowder can be set in a cool place for several hours to develop flavors. Reheat to a simmer (do not let boil), then stir in chives or parsley and remaining butter just before serving. Pass common crackers at the table if you wish.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 245, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 16 grams, Fat 14 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 14 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 620 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams, TransFat 0 grams
CONTEST-WINNING NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER
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
Time 55m
Yield 5 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
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
MY BEST CLAM CHOWDER
A delicious, traditional, cream based chowder, this recipe calls for the standard chowder ingredients: onion, celery, potatoes, diced carrots, clams, and cream. A little red wine vinegar is added before serving for extra flavor.
Provided by PIONEERGIRL
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Seafood
Time 50m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Drain juice from clams into a large skillet over the onions, celery, potatoes and carrots. Add water to cover, and cook over medium heat until tender.
- Meanwhile, in a large, heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Whisk in cream and stir constantly until thick and smooth. Stir in vegetables and clam juice. Heat through, but do not boil.
- Stir in clams just before serving. If they cook too much they get tough. When clams are heated through, stir in vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 501.2 calories, Carbohydrate 28.4 g, Cholesterol 136.6 mg, Fat 32.7 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 23.9 g, SaturatedFat 19.7 g, Sodium 712.3 mg, Sugar 2.4 g
CHEESY CLAM CHOWDER
I never thought I'd be able to duplicate the excellent taste of hearty clam chowders found in many restaurants, but this recipe proved me wrong. The dill makes it extra-special.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 45m
Yield 8 servings (about 2 quarts).
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a soup kettle or Dutch oven, combine the first 12 ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Add cream and cheese; heat through until cheese is melted. Stir in bacon just before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 292 calories, Fat 16g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 59mg cholesterol, Sodium 1003mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 13g protein.
CLAM CHOWDER
Make and share this Clam Chowder recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Molly53
Categories Chowders
Time 35m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Melt butter in a saucepan, add onion and cook until tender but not brown.
- Add potatoes and just enough water to cook potatoes (about ten minutes).
- When potatoes are tender add parsley, salt and pepper, and clams with their juice.
- Just before serving add 2 cups milk and heat but do NOT boil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 416.8, Fat 27.7, SaturatedFat 17.4, Cholesterol 78.1, Sodium 234.7, Carbohydrate 36.5, Fiber 4, Sugar 2.5, Protein 7.8
NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER
This is a rich and flavorful Chowder - creamy in body and full of clams - I have lived east and west coast and have lived in BC, Canada and this recipe is a combination of all - plus the love and care of my Jims' clam chowder
Provided by Ravenseyes
Categories Chowders
Time 1h50m
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large steamer pot add your cleaned clams - with 1 cup of white wine and 2 tsps crushed garlic. Steam until clams are fully opened.
- Remove clams from the pot and set aside to cool.
- Reserve all liquids from the clam steam (this is the clam liquor - add bottled clam juice to equal 12 cups).
- In a 6 qt or larger pot add 1 tbsp olive oil, over medium high heat, add onions, celery, garlic and potatoes. Cook for approximately 5 minutes or until onions are clear.
- Add clam liquor and cook till potatoes are tender.
- In a small pot melt butter add flour, salt and pepper cook for two minutes slowly add several ladles of the clam juice from the soup pot to the rue and cook till it begins to thicken, remember to stir constantly while thickening or you will burn your rue. Return the rue to the soup pot and allow the two to come together. Add cream and cook for 10 minutes.
- The last touch is to add your chopped clams - I add them last so they don't turn to rubber. Serve with a nice crusty bread.
NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER FOR TWO
A pantry stocked with canned staples like canned clams makes creative and delicious homemade meals like this chowder possible any night of the week.
Provided by Cans Get You Cooking®
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Cans Get You Cooking®
Time 20m
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp, about 5 minutes; remove to paper towels.
- In drippings remaining in saucepan over medium heat, cook celery and onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in flour; cook 1 minute.
- Add potatoes, clam juice, clams with their liquid and milk. Over high heat, heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; simmer 10 minutes to blend flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with bacon. Serve with oyster crackers if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 675.7 calories, Carbohydrate 69.8 g, Cholesterol 95.4 mg, Fat 26 g, Fiber 5.7 g, Protein 38.9 g, SaturatedFat 8.3 g, Sodium 2175.6 mg, Sugar 9.7 g
JASPER'S NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER
This chowder comes from Jasper White, chef and proprietor of numerous restaurants, including Summer Shack in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Use the freshest clams possible, and if you need to supplement the chowder with commercially prepared broth, make sure that it is made with juice from fresh clams.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Soups, Stews & Stocks Soup Recipes
Yield Makes 10 cups
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Heat a 4- to 6-quart heavy-bottomed pot over low heat, and add salt pork. Once it has rendered a few tablespoons of fat, increase the heat to medium and cook until salt pork is a crisp golden brown. Remove from pot; set aside.
- Add butter, onions, garlic, celery, thyme, and bay leaves. Saute, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until onions are softened but not browned, about 10 minutes.
- Add potatoes and strained clam broth. The broth should just barely cover the potatoes; if it doesn't, add enough water to cover them. Increase the heat, and bring to a boil. Cover, and cook potatoes vigorously until they are soft on the outside but still firm in the center, about 10 minutes. If the broth hasn't thickened lightly, smash a few potatoes against the side of the pot, and cook 1 to 2 minutes more to release the starch.
- Remove pot from the heat, and stir in diced clams and cream. Season to taste. If you are not serving the chowder within the hour, let it cool a bit, then refrigerate; cover after it has completely chilled. Otherwise, let it sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
- When ready to serve, reheat the chowder over low heat; don't let it boil. Ladle into cups or bowls, making sure that clams, potatoes, and onions are evenly divided. Sprinkle with parsley, chives, and reserved salt-pork cracklings.
Tips:
- Select the freshest clams possible. Fresh clams should have a briny smell and tightly closed shells. Avoid clams with cracked or broken shells.
- Clean the clams thoroughly before cooking. Scrub the clams under cold water with a stiff brush to remove any dirt or debris. Remove the clam's beard, a small, stringy piece of flesh that protrudes from the shell.
- Use a variety of vegetables in your chowder. Common vegetables used in clam chowder include celery, onion, carrot, and potato. You can also add other vegetables, such as corn, peas, or leeks.
- Choose your preferred type of milk or cream. Clam chowder can be made with whole milk, skim milk, or heavy cream. You can also use a combination of milk and cream.
- Season the chowder to taste. Clam chowder should have a balance of flavors, including salt, pepper, and herbs. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic, paprika, or cayenne pepper.
- Serve the chowder hot with crusty bread or crackers. Clam chowder is a hearty and satisfying soup that is perfect for a cold day.
Conclusion:
Clam chowder is a classic New England dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile soup that can be made with a variety of ingredients, so you can easily customize it to your own taste. Whether you prefer a traditional clam chowder or a more modern version, you are sure to find a recipe that you will love. So next time you are looking for a delicious and comforting soup, give clam chowder a try.
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