Nothing beats a warm bowl of creamy, comforting clam chowder on a chilly evening. This recipe, passed down through generations, is my grandmother's secret to the best clam chowder you'll ever taste. It's a delicious dish perfect for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or even a quick weeknight dinner. This easy recipe is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs looking for a comforting classic. Let's dive in and recreate this heartwarming homemade meal together!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Treasures
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous cooking session.
- 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 water
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 (6.5 ounce) cans minced clams, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let's Get Cooking!
This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal culinary skills.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the bacon grease in the pot. Add the onion and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Build the Flavor Base: Add the clam juice, water, potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Incorporate the Clams: Stir in the undrained canned clams and simmer for another 5 minutes.
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Creamy Perfection: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and butter until the chowder is smooth and creamy. Gently stir in the crispy bacon.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping—it's the perfect complement!
Cooking Tips for Chowder Champions
- For a richer flavor, use homemade bacon grease instead of store-bought.
- If you prefer a thicker chowder, simmer it uncovered for a longer period to allow some of the liquid to reduce.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of heavy cream to your liking.
- For a smoother chowder, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cream.
Variations to Spice Things Up
- Spicy Clam Chowder: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Seafood Extravaganza: Include other types of seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, or cod, for a more substantial chowder.
- Vegetarian Clam Chowder: Substitute vegetable broth for the clam juice and omit the bacon for a delicious vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This Grandmother's Clam Chowder recipe is a testament to simple, delicious, healthy meals. It's a perfect example of how easy homemade cooking can be and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this taste of home, and don't hesitate to share your culinary creations with us!