Gourmet Clam Chowder

Name: Gourmet Clam Chowder
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs clams, scrubbed and cleaned; 6 slices bacon, chopped; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 stalks celery, diced; 1 lb potatoes, peeled and diced; 4 cups clam juice; 2 cups heavy cream; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp butter; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 40 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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If you’re looking to impress your family or guests with a hearty, delicious meal, this Gourmet Clam Chowder is your go-to recipe. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with fresh flavors that are perfect for any occasion, especially those chilly evenings.

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Ingredients for Gourmet Clam Chowder

Clams: The star of the chowder, bringing the ocean’s briny sweetness to your bowl. Make sure they are fresh for the best flavor.
Bacon: Provides a smoky, savory base that complements the clams perfectly. Plus, who doesn’t love bacon?
Onion, Garlic, and Celery: This trio forms the aromatic foundation, adding depth and complexity.
Potatoes: Give the chowder its hearty texture, making it a filling meal.
Clam Juice: Intensifies the seafood flavor, ensuring every spoonful is rich and satisfying.
Heavy Cream: Makes the chowder luxuriously creamy and indulgent.
All-purpose Flour: Thickens the chowder, giving it that perfect, silky consistency.
Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies to perfection.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and a hint of earthiness.

Tips & Tricks

Scrub your clams well under cold water to remove any sand or grit.
To thicken the chowder further, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot.
If fresh clams aren’t available, use high-quality canned clams and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

This chowder is best served with a side of crusty bread, perfect for dipping. You could also pair it with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the chowder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chowder ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just reheat gently before serving, adding a splash of cream if it’s too thick.
What if I can’t find clam juice?: Try using fish stock or even vegetable broth as a substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

Gourmet Clam Chowder Recipe Walkthrough

Start by frying up the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. You’ll be left with some flavorful bacon fat in the pot, which is perfect for the next step.

Add the butter to the pot, letting it melt before throwing in the onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté these ingredients until they’re soft and fragrant. It should take about 5 minutes, and your kitchen will smell amazing.

Sprinkle in the flour and stir it into the veggies, cooking it for about 2 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to remove the raw flour taste and creates a roux that will thicken your chowder.

Gradually pour in the clam juice while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and toss in the potatoes. Let them cook until they’re tender, which should take about 15 minutes. The potatoes will not only soften but absorb all those wonderful flavors.

Once the potatoes are ready, stir in the clams and heavy cream. Cook for about 5 minutes until the clams are done. You’ll know they’re ready when they’ve opened up and are tender.

Finally, season your chowder with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and the reserved crispy bacon on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Loaded with fresh clams for that authentic seafood taste.
Bacon adds a smoky depth and irresistible aroma.
Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.

Ingredients

2 lbs clams, scrubbed and cleaned

6 slices bacon, chopped

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 stalks celery, diced

1 lb potatoes, peeled and diced

4 cups clam juice

2 cups heavy cream

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 tbsp butter

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, then remove and set aside.

2. In the same pot, add butter and sauté the onion, garlic, and celery until soft.

3. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, then gradually whisk in the clam juice.

4. Add the potatoes and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes.

5. Stir in the clams and cream, cooking until the clams are cooked, about 5 minutes.

6. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with parsley and serve hot.

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