CLASSIC CLAM CHOWDER

Classic Clam Chowder image

Give leftover mashed potatoes a second life: Make a pot of clam chowder.

Provided by Ben S.

Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Chowders Clam Chowder Recipes

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

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Ingredients

2 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into small dice
1 large onion, cut into medium dice
½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
2 bay leaves
1 ½ cups leftover mashed potatoes
2 (8 ounce) bottles clam juice
4 (6.5 ounce) cans minced clams (clams and juice separated)
1 cup water
9 new potatoes, cut into 1/2 -inch cubes
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

In a large soup kettle, fry bacon over medium heat until bacon crisps, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon; set aside.
Keep 2 tablespoons bacon fat in pan. (If necessary, add oil to yield 2 tablespoons.) Add onion and saute until soft, about 5 minutes. Add thyme and bay leaves; cook until fragrant, 30 seconds or so.
Whisk in mashed potatoes, clam juice (bottled and what you've drained from the clams) and 1 cup of water. Add new potatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat; continue to simmer, partially covered, until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in clams, cream and parsley; season with salt and pepper.
Heat through and serve, garnishing each bowl with reserved bacon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 323.1 calories, Carbohydrate 32.8 g, Cholesterol 87.2 mg, Fat 8.6 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 27.7 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 552.4 mg, Sugar 2.2 g