5 Easy Clam Chowder Recipes to Try Tonight

Clam chowder, with its rich flavors and creamy texture, is a beloved dish across the United States, particularly in New England. While traditional recipes require some effort, you can whip up a delicious bowl of this hearty soup with surprisingly simple ingredients and methods. Here are five easy clam chowder recipes that you can try tonight:

New England Clam Chowder Classic

This timeless recipe remains one of the favorites for good reason:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cans of minced or chopped clams, drained
  • 1 quart of clam juice or seafood stock
  • 4 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Thyme and bay leaf for flavor
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and reserve the fat.
  2. Sauté the onions and garlic in the bacon fat until translucent.
  3. Add potatoes and clam juice, then bring to a boil and simmer until potatoes are tender.
  4. Add clams, cream, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Remove the bay leaf and thyme, then serve with crispy bacon bits on top.

🍲 Note: For a thicker chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes to thicken the soup without adding flour.

Manhattan Clam Chowder

A tomato-based alternative to New England’s creamy chowder:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cans of minced or chopped clams, drained
  • 1 large can of diced tomatoes
  • 4 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 large potato, peeled and cubed
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup clam juice
  • Thyme, oregano, and bay leaf
• Instructions:
  1. Cook bacon until crispy, then sauté onions, carrots, and celery in the same pot.
  2. Add potatoes, tomatoes, broth, clam juice, and herbs. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Once potatoes are tender, add clams, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes.

🍅 Note: If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the mix.

Quick Clam and Potato Chowder

Perfect for those with limited time:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cans of chopped clams
  • 3 large potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups milk or cream
  • Butter and flour for roux
  • Fresh dill or parsley
• Instructions:
  1. Melt butter, add flour to make a roux, then slowly whisk in milk or cream to thicken.
  2. Add onions and potatoes, cook until potatoes are tender.
  3. Stir in clams and any juice from the can, season, and heat through.
  4. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

⏲️ Note: Using cream will make the soup richer, but for a lighter option, stick to milk.

Rhode Island Clam Chowder

Known for its clear broth and minimalism:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cans of minced clams
  • 4 cups of water or clam juice
  • 2 potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • Fresh parsley
• Instructions:
  1. Bring water to a boil, add onions, celery, and potatoes. Cook until tender.
  2. Add clams and any juice, simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then finish with chopped parsley.

🌿 Note: For a more aromatic soup, consider adding a few sprigs of thyme or a bay leaf.

Corn and Clam Chowder

A sweet twist on the classic:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cans of chopped clams
  • 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 potatoes, cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups half-and-half or milk
  • Butter and flour for roux
• Instructions:
  1. Prepare a roux with butter and flour, then add milk or half-and-half, stirring until thickened.
  2. Add onions, potatoes, and corn, cook until potatoes are tender.
  3. Stir in clams, season with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika for color and flavor.

🌽 Note: If using frozen corn, thaw it first to avoid chilling the chowder too much.

In summary, clam chowder can be an incredibly versatile dish with endless variations to suit any palate. Whether you're looking for a creamy comfort food or a lighter, broth-based soup, these five recipes offer something for everyone. They're not only delicious but also manageable even on a busy evening. With these simple recipes, you'll be able to enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of homemade clam chowder any time you wish.

What’s the difference between New England and Manhattan Clam Chowder?

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New England Clam Chowder is creamy, made with milk or cream, while Manhattan Clam Chowder has a tomato-based broth. The former is known for its thick texture, whereas the latter is lighter with a distinctly different flavor profile.

Can I make clam chowder with fresh clams instead of canned?

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Absolutely! Fresh clams will give your chowder a more authentic taste. Steam the clams, strain the juice for your broth, and chop the meat before adding it to the soup.

Is it possible to thicken the chowder without using flour?

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Yes, you can thicken it by mashing some of the cooked potatoes into the soup, or use cornstarch or potato starch mixed with cold water as a thickener.

How can I enhance the flavor of my clam chowder?

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Add flavors like fresh thyme, a splash of white wine, or even a touch of smoked paprika. Using bacon fat to sauté your aromatics can also add depth to your chowder’s flavor.

What’s the best side to serve with clam chowder?

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A classic pairing is crusty bread or oyster crackers. However, you could also serve it with a side salad, cornbread, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for a more filling meal.