This is a print preview of "Simple Clam Chowder" recipe.

Simple Clam Chowder Recipe
by Nancy Miyasaki

Simple Clam Chowder

We brought this last weekend to a cracked crab party. Everyone thought it was wonderful. It's hard to compete with fresh cracked crab, but this easy and delicious clam chowder was the perfect accompaniment. My husband added heavy cream to most of the chowder, but reserved some without the cream. It definitely tastes richer and smoother with the cream, but it was hearty and flavorful (and healthier!) without cream too. You should taste it without the cream then decide how much you want to add.

Rating: 4.5/5
Avg. 4.5/5 6 votes
Prep time: Seafood
Cook time: Servings: 6

Goes Well With: cracked crab

Wine and Drink Pairings: Light reds - pinot noir

Ingredients

  • 4 (6.5 oz) cans minced clams
  • 3 (8 oz) bottles clam juice
  • 4 oz (slices) bacon minced
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 pounds red potatoes (about 5) scrubbed and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp minced fresh thyme or 1/3 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp minced fresh Italian parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Cook the bacon in a large pot or dutch oven over medium-high until beginning to crisp, about 5 minutes. Stir in the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until golden, about 30 seconds. Stir in the flour and coat the vegetables, about 1 minute.
  2. Gradually whisk in the 3 bottles of clam juice. Stir in the potatoes, bay leaves, and thyme. Drain the liquid from the 4 cans of minced clams directly into the pot, reserving the clams to add later. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. (All of the steps above can be done 2-8 hours in advance of serving.)
  3. Stir in the clams, cream (as desired), and parsley. Return to a simmer briefly, then remove from heat. Discard the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste. We add copious amounts of fresh black pepper!