Clam Chowder
This hearty clam chowder recipe brings together the briny flavors of freshly shucked littleneck clams, savory pancetta, and tender Yukon Gold potatoes in a creamy, comforting soup. The sweet aroma of onions, celery, and garlic meld with the richness of butter and cream, creating a flavorful base for this satisfying dish. Finished with a touch of Worcestershire sauce and a sprinkle of fresh chives, this chowder is sure to warm your heart and soul on a chilly evening.
— Constant Cookbook
Ingredients
- 6 lb. littleneck clams, rinsed well
- 6 oz. pancetta, diced
- 3 Tbs. unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
- 2 Tbs. all-purpose flour
- 2 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 Tbs. chopped fresh chives (optional)
Instructions
- Working with 1 clam at a time, hold it over a bowl to catch the juices. Place the blade of a clam knife horizontally across the shell and squeeze to open. Using the tip of the knife, remove the clam meat by cutting it away from the shell; place the meat in a separate bowl. Strain the juices through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a bowl. Add enough water to the juices to total 5 cups. Coarsely chop the clam meat. Set aside.
- In a Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the pancetta until crisp, about 5 minutes. Pour off all but 1 Tbs. of the fat, then melt the butter in the pan. Add the onion, celery, garlic and thyme and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute more. Add the potatoes, bay leaves and clam juice-water mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the cream, Worcestershire, salt, black pepper and cayenne. Using a fork, lightly mash the potatoes against the side of the pot to thicken the soup. Add the clams and cook for 2 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and discard. Ladle the soup into warmed bowls and garnish with the chives. Serves 8.
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