If you're a fan of comfort food, then you're probably no stranger to clam chowder. This creamy, hearty soup is a classic dish that's perfect for a cozy night in at home.
While canned clams are a convenient option, using fresh clams can take your chowder to the next level. In this article, you'll learn how to make clam chowder with fresh clams.
Preparing the clams is the first step in making clam chowder with fresh clams.
You'll need to rinse the clams thoroughly and let them soak in salted water for at least an hour to help remove any sand or grit.
Once the clams are clean, you'll need to steam them until they open up, which means they're cooked and ready to be used in your chowder.
Don't throw away the clam juice that's left behind - it's a key ingredient in making the soup base.
Cooking the chowder is the next step.
You'll start by cooking bacon in a large pot until it's crispy, then remove it from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, you'll cook onions, celery, and potatoes until they're tender, then add flour to create a roux.
Next, you'll add the clam juice, milk, and cream, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Finally, you'll add the cooked clams and bacon to the pot, and let the chowder cook for a few more minutes until it's heated through.
Serve it up with some crusty bread, and you've got a delicious and satisfying meal.
Key Takeaways
- Preparing fresh clams is an important step in making clam chowder.
- Cooking the chowder involves creating a roux and adding the clam juice, milk, and cream.
- Fresh clam chowder is a classic comfort food that's perfect for a cozy night in.
Preparing the Clams
Before you can make clam chowder with fresh clams, you need to prepare the clams. Here are the steps to follow:
Cleaning and Steaming
First, you need to clean the fresh clams. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or sand.
Then, place the clams in a large pot with about an inch of water. Cover the pot and steam the clams over medium-high heat until they open up, which should take about 5-10 minutes. Discard any clams that do not open.
Extracting Clam Meat
Once the clams are steamed, remove them from the pot and let them cool.
Then, use a clam knife or a small paring knife to carefully remove the clam meat from the shells. Discard any shells that are empty or do not contain meat.
Chop the clam meat into small pieces and set aside.
Making Clam Broth
To make the clam broth, strain the liquid from the pot through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any grit or sand.
Reserve the liquid and discard any solids. You can use the clam broth as a base for your clam chowder, or you can use it to steam more clams.
Cooking the Chowder
Making clam chowder with fresh clams is easier than you might think. Here are the steps to follow to make a delicious pot of clam chowder.
Cooking the Vegetables
To start, melt some butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion and celery to the pot and cook until the vegetables are tender. Then, add diced potatoes and cook for a few more minutes.
Building the Base
Next, sprinkle some flour over the vegetables and stir until the flour is well combined.
Add chicken broth, clam juice, and milk to the pot and stir well. Then, add thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the pot.
Simmering to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
Then, add the fresh clams to the pot and simmer until the clams are cooked through.
Final Touches and Garnishes
Finish the chowder by stirring in some heavy cream and cooking for a few more minutes.
Serve the chowder hot and garnish with bacon bits, fresh parsley, and oyster crackers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to a creamy New England clam chowder?
The secret to making a creamy New England clam chowder is to use heavy cream and cook the soup over low heat. This will allow the flavours to meld together and create a rich, creamy texture.
Can you recommend a top-notch Boston clam chowder recipe?
Yes, we can recommend a top-notch Boston clam chowder recipe that uses fresh clams. Check out this recipe from Favorite Family Recipes. It includes step-by-step instructions on how to prepare the clams and create a delicious, authentic Boston clam chowder.
How do you prepare clams for a traditional clam chowder?
To prepare clams for a traditional clam chowder, you will need to scrub them clean and soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove any sand or grit.
Once the clams are clean, you can steam them until they open, then remove them from the shells and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
What ingredients are essential for an authentic clam chowder?
The essential ingredients for an authentic clam chowder include fresh clams, potatoes, onions, celery, garlic, bacon or salt pork, clam juice or fish stock, heavy cream, and seasonings such as thyme, bay leaves, and black pepper.
Which type of clams should I use for the best clam chowder experience?
For the best clam chowder experience, we recommend using either quahog or cherrystone clams. These clams are larger and have a more robust flavour than smaller clams like littlenecks or steamers.
Could you suggest a Manhattan clam chowder recipe that uses fresh clams?
Yes, we can suggest a Manhattan clam chowder recipe that uses fresh clams.
Check out this recipe from Feasting At Home. It includes step-by-step instructions on how to create a delicious, tomato-based Manhattan clam chowder using fresh clams.