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Creamy New England Clam Chowder Recipe Easy Homemade with Tender Clams and Potatoes

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A comforting and creamy New England clam chowder featuring tender clams, smoky bacon, and perfectly cooked potatoes in a rich, velvety broth. This easy homemade recipe is perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh or canned chopped clams with their juice
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or clam broth)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Add butter to the bacon fat and melt over medium heat. Stir in chopped onions, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture looks pasty and golden.
  4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps, then add the diced potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until potatoes are tender but not mushy, about 15 minutes.
  5. Lower the heat and stir in the milk. Add the chopped clams along with their juice. Simmer gently for another 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chowder to thicken. Do not boil once milk is added.
  6. Remove the bay leaf. Add the cooked bacon back in and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently and warm through for a final 2 minutes.
  7. Ladle chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

Notes

Keep heat low when adding milk to prevent curdling. Stir gently after adding clams to keep them tender. Cook potatoes until just tender to avoid mushiness. If chowder gets too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen. For gluten-free, substitute flour with rice flour or cornstarch. For dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter and coconut or almond milk instead of whole milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: clam chowder, New England clam chowder, creamy clam chowder, homemade chowder, seafood soup, comfort food, bacon, potatoes, easy chowder recipe

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/creamy-new-england-clam-chowder-recipe-easy-homemade-with-tender-clams-and-potatoes/