Craving that creamy, dreamy clam chowder you love from BJ's Restaurant? Forget the drive and the wait – this recipe brings the deliciousness right to your kitchen! This homemade version captures all the comforting flavors of the restaurant favorite, making it a perfect quick dinner idea or a cozy weekend treat. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, proving that delicious dishes can also be healthy meals. Let's dive in!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring a smooth and straightforward cooking process.
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups clam juice (low sodium preferred)
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold recommended)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 (10 ounce) can minced clams, undrained
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: Effortless Homemade Chowder
Follow these simple steps to recreate BJ's Restaurant's famous clam chowder at home.
Step 1: The Bacon Base: Start by cooking the diced bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot. Set the bacon aside; we'll use it for garnish later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and celery to the pot with the bacon fat and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Building the Chowder: Pour in the clam juice and add the diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: Creamy Perfection: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and a little bit of the hot chowder mixture to create a smooth slurry. Pour this slurry into the pot and stir constantly until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Clammy Goodness: Stir in the heavy cream, minced clams (undrained), thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat through gently, being careful not to boil.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve: Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with the crispy bacon pieces and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for Chowder Success
- Don't overcook the potatoes: Overcooked potatoes will become mushy. Aim for tender but still holding their shape.
- Low-sodium clam juice: Using low-sodium clam juice allows you to control the salt level to your preference.
- Fresh herbs: If you have fresh thyme, substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme for the dried thyme.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
- Seafood Extravaganza: Add other seafood like shrimp or scallops for a richer chowder.
- Creamy Coconut: For a unique twist, replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
- Thicker Chowder: For a thicker chowder, increase the amount of flour in the slurry.
- Vegetarian Chowder: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of clam juice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Protein: Approximately 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This easy recipe delivers a restaurant-quality clam chowder in the comfort of your home. It's a perfect example of how homemade cooking can produce delicious dishes and healthy meals, making it an excellent addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. Enjoy!