Great American Soups: New England Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder

New England clam chowder is a milk or cream based chowder, that is traditionally made with potatoes, onion, bacon or salt pork, flour & clams.

3 potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 pound bacon, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1 onion, diced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups clam juice
3 cups half-and-half
3 (6.5-ounce) cans diced clams, undrained
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Place potatoes in a shallow pot with enough cold water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat, about 5 minutes. Once a boil is reached, drain immediately and rinse under cool, running water. Set aside.

Heat a 4-quart stockpot over medium heat. Add bacon and cook, stirring frequently, until fat is rendered and bacon is wilted.

Add butter to pot and cook onions, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add flour and thyme, stirring well. Let flour cook another 5 minutes.

Add clam juice gradually, allowing the flour mixture to absorb it. Pour in half-and-half slowly, stirring to smooth out any lumps of flour.

Once the cream is warmed through, add the potatoes and clams with their juice. Allow potatoes to finish cooking and chowder to heat through, 5 to 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Season with pepper. Divide among serving bowls and garnish with parsley.

Makes 6 servings.