Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to the cozy shores of New England with this irresistible Rich Creamy Clam Chowder! Imagine a bowl of pure comfort, where crispy bacon, tender clams, and velvety cream come together in a symphony of flavors that will warm your soul and leave you craving more. This isn't just another soup recipe – it's a creamy, dreamy experience that promises to become your new ultimate comfort food obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) clams, drained
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, rendering out the fat and creating a flavorful base for the chowder.
- Remove crispy bacon bits with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot for sautéing vegetables.
- Add chopped onions and diced celery to the bacon fat, sautéing until vegetables become soft and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add diced potatoes to the pot and stir, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes to begin softening the potatoes.
- Pour in chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer and cooking until potatoes are tender but not falling apart, about 10-12 minutes.
- Drain the canned clams, reserving the clam liquid separately. Add the clams to the pot and stir gently.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent scorching and create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Simmer the chowder on low heat for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle the chowder into serving bowls, garnish with reserved crispy bacon bits and chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a complete and comforting meal.
Tips
- • For the richest flavor, use fresh bacon and save those crispy bits for garnishing – they add an incredible crunch and smoky depth to the chowder. • Don't rush the vegetable sautéing process. Allowing onions and celery to become soft and translucent builds a flavor foundation for the entire dish. • Use heavy cream for the most luxurious texture. Lower-fat alternatives won't give you the same creamy consistency. • Be careful not to boil the chowder after adding cream – a gentle simmer is key to preventing separation and maintaining a smooth texture. • If you want to enhance the seafood flavor, consider adding the reserved clam liquid when you pour in the chicken broth. • Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish – it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the chowder. • For best results, serve immediately and pair with crusty bread or oyster crackers for the ultimate comfort meal experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 120mg
