NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER

New England Clam Chowder is by far one of my favorite soups to enjoy any time of the year! I see it on a menu, it is a must try for me. I have been making this recipe for a few years now. It is my version of Tyler Florence’s, Classic Clam Chowder. It is definitely not a quick recipe, but it’s so worth the time and effort involved. You will end up with a rich clam broth that is transformed into a creamy chowder that everyone will love. My suggestion, double the recipe! 

This recipe requires two steps. Preparing the broth and making the chowder. Pick up a few dozen top neck clams and littleneck clams. This is another perfect recipe for your Christmas Eve dinner. Especially, if you celebrate with The Feast of the Seven Fishes. You may also enjoy my Manhattan Clam Chowder.

HOW TO PREPARE CLAM BROTH

Building the broth is a crucial part of adding great flavor to your chowder. Most of the ingredients you are using to create the broth can just be thrown into the pot, skin and all. It will be discarded in the end.

Be sure to properly clean the clams prior to cooking. Click here to found out how. Grit and dirt do not belong in this chowder.

In large pot, add the bacon pieces and cook until browned. Remove the bacon from the pot and reserve. The crisp bacon can be used to garnish the chowder. To the same pot, add the olive oil, garlic, shallot, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Cook for about three to four minutes. Add in the top neck clams, lemon juice, lemon rind, white wine, clam juice and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover with lid and allow to simmer for about five minutes. As the clams open, transfer them from the pot to a bowl. Discard any clams that do not open after about eight minutes.

Pour the broth through a mesh strainer into a bowl. Reserve. Discard the vegetables and herbs used to make the broth. Remove the clams from the shells. Chop and reserve. 

HOW TO PREPARE NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER

In the same pot you used to prepare the broth, add the olive oil, butter and bacon. Cook the bacon until browned. Add the garlic, shallot, and fresh thyme. Cook for another three minutes. Coat the vegetables and bacon with the flour. Cook for another minute or so. to cook off the raw flour taste. Pour in the reserved clam broth. Bring to a boil. Add in the cream and potatoes. Boil hard until the potatoes are soft. This should not take very long, as long as you cut the potatoes in a tiny dice. Eight to ten minutes should suffice. Add all of the chopped clams to the pot. Season with black pepper. Taste for salt.

Toss in the littleneck clams. Cover and allow to simmer until the clams open. As mentioned earlier, remove any clams that do not open. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley. To serve, fill a huge bowl with this fabulous New England Clam Chowder. Top with the reserved bacon pieces. Garnish with a touch of fresh chopped parsley. Oyster crackers and hot sauce can also be offered as additional toppings. ENJOY!

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I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him. He is known as one of the best skate sharpeners in the world!

Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!

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