Best Clam Chowder Recipes for Cozy Dinners

On chilly evenings, there's nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of clam chowder to bring comfort and satisfaction. Known for its creamy texture, rich flavors, and delightful blend of seafood, vegetables, and spices, clam chowder has long been a favorite in coastal regions around the globe. From the iconic New England style to the lesser-known, but equally delectable, variations, there are numerous ways to enjoy this comforting dish. Let's dive into some of the best clam chowder recipes that you can prepare for your cozy dinners.

New England Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder, often referred to as 'Boston Clam Chowder,' is the quintessential chowder experience with its thick, creamy base. Here's how you can make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 cups of clam juice (or chicken broth if unavailable)
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 2 lbs of fresh clams, shucked and chopped, or 2-3 cans of chopped clams
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme

1. Cook the bacon in a large pot until crisp, then set aside, keeping about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
2. Saute the onion and garlic in the bacon fat until translucent.
3. Add potatoes, bay leaf, and clam juice, bringing to a simmer until potatoes are tender.
4. Add the heavy cream, chopped clams, cooked bacon, and simmer for another 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.

🌟 Note: For a thicker consistency, you can add a roux of butter and flour before adding the liquids.

Manhattan Clam Chowder

Unlike its cream-based cousin, Manhattan Clam Chowder boasts a savory, tomato-based broth. Here's the recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 3 strips of bacon, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cups of clam juice
  • 1 lbs of fresh clams or canned clams
  • 1 lbs potatoes, diced
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste

1. Fry bacon in a large pot, remove, and reserve some fat.
2. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in the bacon fat until softened.
3. Add tomatoes, clam juice, potatoes, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer until potatoes are tender.
4. Add clams, cooked bacon, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with parsley.

🌱 Note: Some purists argue that tomato-based chowders shouldn't be called chowders at all, but it remains a delightful variant nonetheless.

Smoky Corn and Clam Chowder

This fusion recipe blends the classic elements of clam chowder with the sweetness of corn for an intriguing flavor profile:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 slices of smoked bacon, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups of corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 2 lbs of clams, chopped
  • 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 1 lbs of red potatoes, diced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, pepper, and thyme for seasoning

1. Cook bacon until crispy, remove, and sauté onion and garlic in the remaining fat.
2. Add corn, broth, and potatoes. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
3. Blend half of the corn mixture to thicken the soup, then return it to the pot.
4. Add heavy cream, clams, cooked bacon, and seasonings. Simmer for 10 minutes.

🌽 Note: For an extra smoky flavor, try grilling the corn before adding it to the chowder.

Rhode Island Clam Chowder

Known for its clear broth, Rhode Island Clam Chowder is less known but equally delicious. Here's how to make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 3 strips of bacon, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups of clam juice
  • 2 lbs of fresh clams, chopped
  • 2 large potatoes, diced
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste

1. Cook the bacon in a pot, set aside, and keep the fat in the pot.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in the bacon fat until translucent.
3. Add clam juice, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
4. Add the clams and cooked bacon, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for another 10 minutes.

In the cozy corners of our homes, as the weather turns cold, a bowl of clam chowder provides warmth, comfort, and a sense of togetherness. Each of these recipes brings its unique flavors and textures to the table, offering a little something for everyone. Whether you lean towards the traditional creamy New England style, the robust tomato-based Manhattan, the sweet and smoky fusion of corn, or the clear broth of Rhode Island, there’s a clam chowder recipe that will make your dinner memorable.

The beauty of these dishes lies in their versatility. You can adjust the thickness, change the base ingredients, or add your twist with additional seafood, spices, or even greens like kale or spinach. Remember, while recipes provide a guideline, the best clam chowder comes from personal touch and experimentation. So, embrace the comfort of this classic dish, invite your friends and family, and make some unforgettable memories around the dining table this winter.

Can I use canned clams instead of fresh in these recipes?

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Yes, you can absolutely use canned clams. They’re a convenient option and often available in both minced and chopped varieties. Just ensure to drain the juice into the chowder for added flavor.

What can I serve with clam chowder?

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Clam chowder pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, oyster crackers, or even a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the soup.

How can I thicken my chowder if it’s too thin?

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You can thicken chowder by either making a roux (flour and butter mixture) or by blending part of the cooked potatoes back into the soup. Another option is to add a bit of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water).