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Cozy Homemade New England Clam Chowder – Easy 30-Min Recipe

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This creamy, comforting clam chowder comes together in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients like bacon, potatoes, and canned clams. It’s the perfect bowl for cozy nights, with a silky broth that’s not too thick or gloppy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 ribs celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
  • 1 cup bottled clam juice
  • 3 cans (6.5 oz each) chopped clams, undrained
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place Dutch oven over medium heat, add chopped bacon. Cook 5-7 minutes until crispy. Transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate, leaving fat in pot.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and celery to hot bacon fat. Cook 4-5 minutes until onion translucent. Add minced garlic, cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add potatoes and liquids: Pour in chicken broth, clam juice, undrained clams, diced potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir. Liquid should just cover potatoes; add splash more broth if needed.
  4. Simmer chowder: Bring to gentle boil, reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered 12-15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally.
  5. Add cream: Reduce heat to low. Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring. Warm through 2-3 minutes; do not boil. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Finish and serve: Remove bay leaf. Stir in half the crispy bacon. Ladle into bowls, garnish with remaining bacon and parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t rush the bacon; cook on medium heat for best flavor. Season conservatively with salt due to bacon and clams. Let cream come to room temperature before adding to prevent curdling. Chowder thickens overnight; thin with milk or broth when reheating. Not recommended for freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: clam chowder, New England clam chowder, easy clam chowder, 30-minute clam chowder, creamy clam chowder, bacon clam chowder

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/cozy-homemade-new-england-clam-chowder-easy-30-min-recipe/