Teresa's Recipes
Bacon and Clam Chowder
Dive into a comforting bowl of Bacon and Clam Chowder, where smoky, crispy bacon meets tender clams and creamy potatoes in a rich, savory broth. This hearty chowder is perfect for chilly evenings and evokes memories of coastal New England, where clam chowder has been a beloved staple for generations. With each spoonful, you'll savor the flavors of the sea combined with the warmth of home-cooked goodness.
Ingredients
- 6 slices, chopped Bacon
- 1 medium, diced Onion
- 2 stalks, diced Celery
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 cups, diced (about 2 medium potatoes) Potatoes
- 2 cans (6.5 oz each), minced clams, drained Clams
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon, dried Thyme
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- for garnish, chopped Fresh parsley
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
- Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced potatoes, drained clams, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Using an immersion blender or a potato masher, partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks of potatoes for texture.
- Stir in the heavy cream and the cooked bacon. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
- If you prefer a thicker chowder, blend more of the soup until you reach your desired consistency.
- Feel free to use fresh clams if available. Steam them separately and add them at the end.