Ingredients:
– 4 strips of bacon, diced
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 2 cups clam juice
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 bay leaves
– 4 sprigs of thyme
– 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 cans of chopped clams (6.5 oz cans)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Oyster crackers, for serving
Directions:
1. In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Add onion and celery to the pot and cook until softened, stirring occasionally.
3. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir until combined.
4. Slowly pour in the clam juice while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Add the bay leaves and thyme sprigs to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Stir in the diced potatoes and let cook until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
7. Stir in the chopped clams and heavy cream. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
8. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs from the pot.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. When ready to serve, ladle chowder into bowls and top with the reserved cooked bacon and oyster crackers.
Tips:
– To save time, you can use canned clams instead of fresh clams. Make sure to drain the clams and reserve the juice for the soup.
– For a thicker chowder, you can add more flour to the mixture, or use less clam juice and more heavy cream.
– Chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
In conclusion, New England clam chowder is a classic soup that is comforting and delicious. Follow these simple steps to make your own homemade version of this iconic dish. Whether enjoyed on a cold winter night or a warm summer day, this chowder is sure to warm your heart and your belly.