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Simple New England Clam Chowder

Simple New England Clam Chowder
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A classic, comforting New England Clam Chowder recipe that’s incredibly easy to make, featuring crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and a rich, creamy broth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 oz thick-cut bacon (diced into 1/4-inch pieces)
  • 1 large yellow onion (diced)
  • 2 large celery stalks (diced)
  • 16 oz clam juice (e.g., Bar Harbor)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1 lb russet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
  • 1 lb chopped clam meat
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Oyster crackers

Instructions

  1. Dice the bacon into 1/4-inch pieces.
  2. Add diced bacon to a large pot over medium heat.
  3. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bacon is crispy and fat is rendered.
  4. While bacon cooks, dice onion and celery into similar-sized pieces.
  5. Remove crispy bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  6. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
  7. Add diced onion and celery to the hot fat.
  8. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  9. Pour clam juice and water into the pot with sautéed vegetables.
  10. Add 1/4 tsp salt, bay leaf, and thyme sprigs.
  11. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
  12. While liquid simmers, peel and cut russet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes.
  13. Add potatoes to the simmering broth.
  14. Cover the pot and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are just tender.
  15. Remove the pot from heat.
  16. Discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.
  17. Add chopped clam meat to the pot.
  18. Add heavy cream to the pot.
  19. Return the pot to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
  20. Stir occasionally and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  21. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon.
  22. Taste the chowder and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  23. Ladle the chowder into bowls.
  24. Serve immediately with oyster crackers.

Notes

Dice all vegetables and bacon to similar sizes for even cooking.
Do not overcook the potatoes; they should be tender but hold their shape.
Add the crispy bacon at the very end to maintain its texture.
Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end.

Find it online: https://familiesrecipes.com/simple-new-england-clam-chowder/