Hello there, food enthusiasts! Are you ready to taste the most luscious and creamy New England clam chowder recipe ever? If you’re a fan of seafood, then you’ve got to try this recipe. Not only is it mouth-wateringly delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or just beginning in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for you.
What sets this recipe apart from other clam chowders is its rich, creamy texture. The creamy base is made with heavy cream, butter, and flour, which gives it a velvety smoothness. The clams add a salty, briny flavor that is perfectly balanced with the creaminess of the soup. The addition of potatoes, bacon, and onions makes this dish hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a comforting meal on a chilly night or as a starter for a fancy dinner party, this clam chowder recipe is sure to impress.
The Best New England Clam Chowder Recipe
If you’re a fan of creamy, hearty, and savory soups, then you’ll love the rich and delicious taste of New England Clam Chowder. This hearty soup is packed with the flavors of fresh clams, potatoes, and bacon, making it the perfect meal for a cozy night in.
Introduction
The history of New England Clam Chowder dates back to the early 18th century, where it originated in the coastal towns of Massachusetts. The hot and creamy soup was often served to sailors and fishermen as a hearty and nutritious meal during their long voyages out to sea.
Today, New England Clam Chowder is enjoyed by people all over the world, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser! The creamy and comforting soup is perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a special holiday meal.
Ingredients
To make the best New England Clam Chowder, you’ll need a few key ingredients. These include:
- 3-4 pounds of fresh clams
- 6-8 slices of bacon
- 2 cups of diced potatoes
- 1 cup of diced onions
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 4 cups of milk
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to buy the freshest clams you can find for the best flavor. You can usually find fresh clams at your local seafood market or grocery store.
Instructions
Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to make the perfect bowl of New England Clam Chowder:
- Clean the clams: Scrub and clean the clams with a brush to remove any dirt or grit. Rinse them under cold water and discard any clams that are open or cracked.
- Cook the clams: Place the clams in a large pot with 2 cups of water. Cover the pot and cook the clams over high heat for 5-10 minutes, or until the clams open up. Discard any unopened clams.
- Shuck the clams: Remove the clams from the pot and let them cool. Shuck the clams by removing the meat from the shells and chopping it into small pieces.
- Cook the bacon: In a separate pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and chop it into small pieces.
- Cook the potatoes and onions: In the same pot you cooked the bacon in, add the diced potatoes and onions and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.
- Make the soup base: Add the flour to the pot and whisk it into the vegetables. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the butter, thyme, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
- Add the clams and bacon: Add the chopped clams and bacon to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the soup is hot and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with oyster crackers or crusty bread.
That’s it! Now you have a delicious pot of New England Clam Chowder that’s ready to enjoy. This soup is perfect for a cozy night in or for a special occasion with family and friends.
Try this recipe out and let us know what you think! We guarantee you’ll love the rich and savory flavors of New England Clam Chowder.
Tips and Tricks
Choosing the Best Clams
When it comes to making a delicious New England Clam Chowder, choosing the best clams is crucial. To ensure that your chowder has a rich and authentic flavor, it’s important to select fresh, high-quality clams.
Look for clams with tightly closed shells or shells that close when tapped. Avoid clams with cracked or damaged shells, as this may indicate that they are not fresh. Additionally, make sure that the clams are not too sandy – you can do this by soaking them in clean, cold water for about half an hour before cooking.
After you have selected your clams, it’s important to clean them properly before using them in your chowder. Start by rinsing the clams under cold running water to remove any dirt or sand. Then, use a stiff brush to scrub the shells clean. Finally, give them a quick soak in cold water to help expel any remaining sand.
Thickening Your Chowder
There are several different ways to thicken your New England Clam Chowder, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common methods:
– Roux: A roux is made by cooking equal parts flour and butter until smooth and golden brown. This mixture is then added to the chowder to thicken it. Roux is a traditional thickener for chowder, but it can be time-consuming and requires constant stirring to avoid lumps.
– Cornstarch: Cornstarch is a quick and easy way to thicken your chowder. Simply mix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to make a slurry, then add it to the boiling chowder. Cornstarch can also be used to make your chowder gluten-free.
– Cream and Milk: Adding cream or milk to your chowder can also help thicken it and give it a creamy, velvety texture. This method is best used in combination with one of the other thickeners mentioned above.
When choosing a thickener for your chowder, consider the overall flavor and texture you want to achieve. It’s also a good idea to experiment with different thickeners to find the one that works best for you.
Customizing Your Soup
One of the great things about New England Clam Chowder is that it’s incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes. Here are some easy ways to personalize your chowder:
– Add bacon: Bacon adds a nice smoky flavor and crunch to your chowder. Simply cook a few slices of bacon until crispy, then crumble them and sprinkle them on top of your chowder.
– Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, try adding some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your chowder. This will give it a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
– Swap out the clams: While traditional New England Clam Chowder uses quahog clams, you can experiment with other types of clams or seafood if you prefer. Try using littlenecks or cherry stone clams, or add some shrimp or scallops to the mix.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious and flavorful New England Clam Chowder that is sure to impress. Whether you are serving it as a hearty meal on a chilly evening or as an appetizer at your next dinner party, this classic dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
A Bowl of Heaven
We hope you enjoyed reading about our tried and true New England Clam Chowder recipe. This hearty and creamy soup is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a tasty lunch or a comforting dinner, this chowder is a bowl of heaven that will warm you up and leave you feeling satisfied. So go ahead and give it a try – we promise you won’t be disappointed!
Thank you for taking the time to read our recipe and learn more about this classic dish. We hope that you’ll come back again soon for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. And remember – cooking is all about experimentation and having fun, so don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own by adding your own unique twist. Happy cooking!
FAQ
What type of clams should I use?
We recommend using chopped clams or canned clams for this recipe. You can find them at most grocery stores in the canned seafood or canned vegetables section.
Can I freeze New England Clam Chowder?
While it is possible to freeze New England Clam Chowder, we don’t recommend it as the chowder may lose its creamy texture and may become a bit grainy.
What’s the difference between New England Clam Chowder and Manhattan Clam Chowder?
New England Clam Chowder is a creamy, white chowder made with milk or cream, while Manhattan Clam Chowder is a tomato-based chowder that has a red color to it.
What should I serve with New England Clam Chowder?
Some popular side dishes to serve with New England Clam Chowder include oyster crackers, crusty bread, or a side salad.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe can be made ahead of time and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What’s the best type of potato to use for this recipe?
We recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes as they hold their shape and have a creamy texture when cooked.
Can I substitute milk for cream in this recipe?
Yes, you can use milk instead of cream, but the chowder will not be as creamy.
What’s the best way to thicken chowder?
To thicken chowder, you can add a slurry made of flour and water or cornstarch and water. Add the slurry slowly while stirring constantly until the chowder reaches your desired thickness.
Can I add other seafood to this recipe?
Yes! You can add other seafood such as shrimp or scallops to this recipe.
How long does this recipe take to make?
This recipe takes about 45 minutes to make from start to finish.
