Best Clam Chowder Recipe – A classic clam chowder recipe for any time of year, with perfect tastes of bacon and clams. The flavors mingle together into a delicious Best Clam Chowder!
Best Clam Chowder Recipe
Best Clam Chowder Recipe - A classic clam chowder recipe for any time of year, with perfect tastes of bacon and clams. The flavors mingle together into a delicious Best Clam Chowder!
Ingredients
- 8 bacon strips divided
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 celery ribs chopped
- 1 leek finely chopped (or 1 shallot)
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced
- 3-4 small unpeeled potatoes red potatoes or Yukon gold, cubed into 1/2-inch pieces (optional to peel)
- 2 cups broth chicken or vegetable
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half divided
- 3 cans 6-1/2 ounces each of chopped clams undrained
- Bay leaf
- Chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain; set aside. Add butter to the drippings (you can spoon out some of the drippings if you don’t want to ues that much); saute celery, leek, and onion until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the potatoes, broth, salt, pepper and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- In a small bowl, combine flour and 1 cup half-and-half until smooth. Gradually stir into the soup.
- Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
- Stir in clams and juice and remaining half-and-half; heat through (do not boil). Turn down to low heat; add the bay leaf. Cook for additional 2-3 minutes on low heat. Add in 4 strips of crumbled bacon.
- Crumble the reserved 4 strips of bacon. Garnish chowder with crumbled bacon and fresh chopped chives or green onions thinly sliced.
Recipe by: reluctantentertainer.com