The Best New England Clam Chowder
Nothing says "comfort food," like a warm bowl of New England clam chowder. This thick and creamy clam chowder is loaded with clams, bacon, potatoes, and a handful of unexpected yet tasty seasonings.
Servings 8 servings
Calories 690kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup onion finely chopped
- 1 cup celery finely diced
- 2 cups potatoes diced
- 2 6 ounce cans chopped clams liquid reserved
- 8 ounce bottle of clam juice
- 2 medium bay leaves
- ¾ cup butter
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups half and half
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- 1. Cook bacon in a large pot. Once cooked, crumble and set aside on a paper towel. Keep 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pot.
- 2. Place diced vegetables in the pot, and cover with the clam juice and juice drained from the clams. Add bay leaves.
- 3. Over high heat, heat to boiling. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-high and boil for 12 minutes or until softened.
- 4. Meanwhile, add butter to a medium saucepan over medium heat and stir until melted. Add flour and stir until smooth. Gradually add in half and half, a little at a time, letting it absorb the liquid before adding more. This prevents lumps from forming.
- 5. When the roux is creamy, thick, and smooth, add it to the large pot and stir. Add vinegar, seasonings, clams, and half of the crumbled bacon.
- 6. Serve with additional chopped parsley, the remaining bacon, and oyster crackers, if desired.
Notes
Substitutions
- Frozen cauliflower: Add a small bag of frozen cauliflower to add extra vitamins.
- Olive oil: Olive oil can be used in place of the butter for a healthier option.
- Mashed potatoes: Add in a few spoonfuls of mashed potatoes to thicken the chowder without having to add extra milk/cream.
- Milk and half and half: Use 2 cups milk and 2 cups half and half to cut back on calories.
Nutrition
Calories: 690kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 172mg | Sodium: 1577mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g
