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Easy Clam Chowder Recipe

Easy Clam Chowder Recipe
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This Easy Clam Chowder Recipe is a warm, creamy, and comforting soup featuring tender clams, starchy potatoes, aromatic vegetables, and a rich broth. Perfect for cozy evenings, it blends fresh seafood flavor with smooth, velvety texture and is simple enough for beginners yet elegant enough to impress guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 1 lb fresh clams (or 2 cans of clams, drained)

Vegetables

  • 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced

Roux

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)

Liquids

  • 2 cups clam juice or seafood broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Optional

  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Herbs & Spices

  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning or smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: Sauté the diced onion and celery in butter over medium heat until soft and translucent, building the flavorful foundation of the chowder.
  2. Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and form a smooth thickener.
  3. Add Liquids and Potatoes: Gradually whisk in clam juice or seafood broth and milk. Add the diced potatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
  4. Incorporate Clams and Cream: Stir in the chopped clams and heavy cream. Cook gently just until heated through to keep clams tender.
  5. Season and Serve: Add salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and Old Bay or smoked paprika. Give the chowder a final stir and serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or crispy bacon bits.

Notes

  • Use fresh clam juice or homemade broth for the best flavor.
  • Add clams in the final step to avoid overcooking and preserve tenderness.
  • Cut potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking and consistent texture.
  • Simmer chowder gently rather than boiling to prevent cream from curdling and develop deeper flavors.
  • Crispy bacon bits add smoky crunch and elevate flavor when sprinkled on top.

Nutrition

Keywords: clam chowder, easy clam chowder, creamy soup, seafood chowder, comfort food, chowder recipe

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/easy-clam-chowder-recipe/