Best Clam Chowder

Name: Best Clam Chowder
Prep time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 (6-1/2-ounce) cans minced clams, with their juices; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick); 1 cup small-dice yellow onion (about 1/2 medium onion); 1 slice thick-cut bacon, finely chopped; 1 medium garlic clove, minced; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups bottled clam juice; 1 pound russet potatoes (about 2 medium), peeled and cut into medium dice; 1/3 cup heavy cream; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper

Boston Area Christmas New England Soup Dairy Butter Clams Shellfish Thyme Bacon Garlic Onions Potatoes Lunch Dinner Weeknight Dinner Flour Cream Summer Winter Comfort Food Easy Chowder

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4 servings Easy

Total: 1 hr

28 Ratings

Ingredients (12)

2 (6-1/2-ounce) cans minced clams, with their juices
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick)
1 cup small-dice yellow onion (about 1/2 medium onion)
1 slice thick-cut bacon, finely chopped
1 medium garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups bottled clam juice
1 pound russet potatoes (about 2 medium), peeled and cut into medium dice
1/3 cup heavy cream
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

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Nutritional Information

Calories431
Fat17.52g
Saturated fat9.47g
Trans fat0.26g
Carbs33.5g
Fiber2.22g
Sugar2.02g
Protein34.64g
Cholesterol93.04mg
Sodium918.36mg
Nutritional Analysis per serving (4 servings) Powered by

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A clam chowder recipe can be intimidating and mysterious so most people dont attempt to make it and only order it at chowder houses or diners. We’ve made it easy by skipping the process of steaming fresh clams to get the clam juice and meat for the soup, subbing in more convenient and equally tasty canned clams and jarred clam juice. Just sauté onions, bacon, garlic, and thyme, sprinkle with a little flour, add the clam juice and some potatoes, then finish with cream and the clam meat to get a thick chowder that’s ready in an hour. If you want to use fresh clams, we’ve got a recipe for that, too.

Craving more New England classics? Check out our easy Lobster recipe.

by Christine Gallary

Tips for Christmas and Bacon

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Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?

There are several reasons Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25. The date is nine months after March 25, a day recognized by Christians as Annunciation. It was the day Mary was told she would was having a baby. The nine months that follow are an approximation of Jesus’ birth. Dec. 25 also coincides with pagan Winter Solstice celebrations like Saturnalia' and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Since they were historically celebrated around that time of year there was precedent for holiday festivities during this time of year.

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What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?

Christmas is a shortened from the words “Christ’s mass.” It’s derived from the Middle English word "Cristemasse" which has Greek, Hebrew and Latin origins. Christmas is an annual holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians around the world and is regarded as an important religious and cultural holiday.

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How Can We Celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is traditionally celebrated in many ways and celebrations vary across cultures. In the days leading up to Christmas, people usually put up special decorations including colorful lights and evergreen trees. Gifts are often placed under the tree and exchanged on Christmas day among loved ones. Large meals are also typically served as part of the celebration as well.

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How to Cook Bacon

Bacon is most commonly cooked on the stovetop or in the oven. If you’re opting for the former, start with a cold pan with the bacon strips touching, but not overlapping. Set the burner on low and allow the bacon to slowly release its fat. As it begins to cook, use tongs to flip the strips and fry them on their opposite sides. Continue to flip and turn until the bacon is browned evenly. Let the cooked bacon drain by carefully placing them on paper towels or a newspaper.

To cook bacon in the oven, simply line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange the bacon strips on its surface. If your baking sheet does not have grooved edges, be sure to fold the aluminum corners upwards to catch excess grease. Bake at 400°F for ten to 20 minutes (depending on your texture preference), remove, and place bacon strips on paper towels or a newspaper. The bacon will crisp as it cools.

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Next: How to Store Bacon

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How to Store Bacon

Pre-packaged bacon has an impressive shelf life, but not once it’s opened. While it’s best to freeze uncooked bacon, the slices can be tightly wrapped in aluminum foil and stored in a ziploc bag for up to a week. The same storage technique should also be applied to fresh bacon purchased directly from the butcher.

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Next: How to Freeze Bacon

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How to Freeze Bacon

Bacon actually holds up quite well in the freezer, though its peak flavor quality will only last one to two months. To freeze, you may keep the bacon in its original packaging, but wrap around it with another layer of aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper. Just be sure to keep your freezer at a consistent zero degrees for optimal freezing results.

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Instructions

1Set a fine-mesh strainer over a medium bowl. Pour the clams through the strainer and transfer them to a small bowl. Set the clams and strained juice aside.
2Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered from the bacon and the onion has softened, about 8 minutes.
3Add the garlic and thyme and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring occasionally, until the raw flavor has cooked off, about 2 minutes.
4While stirring constantly, slowly add the reserved strained clam juice and bottled clam juice. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally and making sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the pan. Reduce the heat to medium low, add the potatoes, and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are knife tender, about 15 minutes.
5Stir in the cream and reserved clams and return to a simmer. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

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