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Creamy New England Clam Chowder: Best 30-Min Recipe

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A rich, smoky, and creamy New England clam chowder made with bacon, potatoes, and canned clams. This quick 30-minute recipe uses a roux-based method for a silky texture that rivals restaurant quality.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced finely
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cans (6.5 oz each) chopped clams, juice reserved
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry, optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the diced bacon in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the grease in the pot.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add diced onion to the bacon grease and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and thyme in the last 30 seconds.
  3. Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to scrape up browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  4. Remove pot from heat. Stir in butter and flour, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture resembles wet sand to cook out the raw flour taste.
  5. Return pot to low heat. Stir in heavy cream, reserved clam juice, chopped clams, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes without boiling.
  6. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Stir in the crispy bacon bits. Remove the bay leaf and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not boil the soup after adding cream to prevent curdling. Russet potatoes are ideal as they break down slightly to thicken the soup. The chowder does not freeze well due to the dairy and potatoes; store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Nutrition

Keywords: New England Clam Chowder, creamy soup, bacon soup, 30 minute meals, comfort food, seafood soup, winter recipes

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/creamy-new-england-clam-chowder-best-30-min-recipe/