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Easy New England Clam Chowder Recipe: Best Homemade Soup

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A thick, velvety, and creamy New England Clam Chowder made with a perfect roux, crispy bacon, Yukon Gold potatoes, and real clams. This comforting soup captures the essence of a cozy winter night in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces smoked bacon (thick-cut, diced)
  • 2 medium yellow onions (finely diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and diced into small cubes)
  • 1 cup clam juice
  • 2 (6.5-ounce) cans minced clams (with juice)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt to taste (optional, added at the end)

Instructions

  1. Cook the diced bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, reserving the fat in the pot.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add diced onions to the bacon fat and cook for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light golden and smells nutty.
  5. Slowly pour in clam juice while whisking to prevent lumps. Add diced potatoes, minced clams with their juice, bay leaf, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
  6. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  7. Stir in heavy cream and heat through for 2-3 minutes. Do not let it boil vigorously to prevent curdling.
  8. Remove bay leaf. Stir in chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  9. Serve hot, topped with the reserved crispy bacon pieces.

Notes

Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes as they hold their shape better than Russets. Do not drain the minced clams; the juice adds essential flavor. If the soup is too thick, add more clam juice or milk. If too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce. This soup does not freeze well due to the dairy content.

Nutrition

Keywords: New England Clam Chowder, homemade soup, creamy chowder, comfort food, winter soup, seafood recipe, bacon chowder, easy dinner

Find it online: https://lindabake.com/easy-new-england-clam-chowder-recipe-best-homemade-soup/