Classic Clam Chowder Recipe
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Classic Clam Chowder

By: USA WEEKEND columnist Pam Anderson 
"Give leftover mashed potatoes a second life: Make a pot of clam chowder."

This Kitchen Approved Recipe has an average star rating of 4.5 Rate/Review | Read Reviews (12)

 

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Original Recipe Yield 2 quarts
 

Ingredients

  • 2 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into small dice
  • 1 large onion, cut into medium dice
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 1/2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
  • 2 (8 ounce) bottles clam juice
  • 4 (6.5 ounce) cans minced clams (clams and juice separated)
  • 1 cup water
  • 9 new potatoes, cut into 1/2 -inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. In a large soup kettle, fry bacon over medium heat until bacon crisps, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon; set aside.
  2. Keep 2 tablespoons bacon fat in pan. (If necessary, add oil to yield 2 tablespoons.) Add onion and saute until soft, about 5 minutes. Add thyme and bay leaves; cook until fragrant, 30 seconds or so.
  3. Whisk in mashed potatoes, clam juice (bottled and what you've drained from the clams) and 1 cup of water. Add new potatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat; continue to simmer, partially covered, until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in clams, cream and parsley; season with salt and pepper.
  4. Heat through and serve, garnishing each bowl with reserved bacon.

Footnotes

  • Copyright 2004 USA WEEKEND and columnist Pam Anderson. All rights reserved.

Nutritional Information open nutritional information

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 323 | Total Fat: 8.6g | Cholesterol: 87mg Powered by ESHA Nutrient Database

 view all reviews »  

The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.5 star rating.
Reviewed on Sep. 25, 2008 by cooleer   view full review
the best clam chowder I have ever had
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.5 star rating.
Reviewed on Dec. 2, 2009 by Stephanie F   view full review
Truly the best chowder I have ever had! I forgot to pick up some clam juice but added 2 extra...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.5 star rating.
Reviewed on Jan. 18, 2011 by Pam-3BoysMama Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)  view full review
Delicious! I followed this recipe almost exactly. The only changes were extra bacon, and a...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.5 star rating.
Reviewed on Oct. 26, 2009 by AKcourtrights   view full review
I like my clam chowder to be meaty, so I might add another can of clams in the future.
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.5 star rating.
Reviewed on Jan. 22, 2010 by blondie77   view full review
Awesome soup!! Everyone loved it!! I added some scallops and it was absolutely delicious.. I...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.5 star rating.
Reviewed on Jan. 19, 2010 by Katie   view full review
Famly loved it and I have two little boys and a husband who does not particularly like...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.5 star rating.
Reviewed on Dec. 15, 2008 by Chef Hans   view full review
Pretty good!
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.5 star rating.
Reviewed on Jan. 9, 2012 by KatieW9908   view full review
I used skim milk to lighten it a bit. Sacrificed some of the rich thickness you would get...
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.5 star rating.
Reviewed on Sep. 23, 2010 by chicklet   view full review
Too many potatoes in my opinion. Overall a good chowder. Everyone in the family enjoyed it.
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.5 star rating.
Reviewed on Nov. 30, 2009 by Rissa   view full review
So good! I think next time I will add more clams though. Very good flavor.

 

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