Did you know that every August 17th we celebrate National Massachusetts day? Massachusetts is part of the New England region and is best known for lobster rolls, baked beans, Boston cream pie, oysters, and the popular New England Clam Chowder. Clam chowder is believed to have been brought by the early settlers back in the 18th century. You will find delicious and creamy clam chowder in every restaurant in Boston. In Union Oyster House, they’ve been serving authentic New England Clam Chowder soup since 1826.
How to Make the Best Clam Chowder Recipe
The basic ingredients in clam chowder are potatoes, onions, salted pork, milk or cream, and of course clams. You can use fresh clams if available but the canned goods will do. As the dish evolved, you can even use bacon instead of the usual salted pork. You can also top it off with bacon bits, chives, and oyster crackers.
Dairy was added as an improvement to the dish. In the olden days, they use a slurry made from flour and half-and-half to thicken the soup. You can serve this delicious, creamy soup as a side dish or as an appetizer. Perfect when served in a Sourdough Bread bowl or with homemade garlic bread.
What to do in New England
If you get the chance to visit New England, there are a variety of activities for you and your family. You can check out their diverse wildlife such as whales, dolphins, different birds species, and moose. In fact, you can even go on a safari in Maine and New Hampshire and see the moose up close.
Freshly caught lobster is another food that New England is best known for. Head on to Rockland this August as they celebrate the Maine Lobster Festival. Rockland is aptly known as the Lobster Capital of Maine, too.
If you are the outdoor, sporty type, Yankees love sports, too, such as baseball, football, soccer, basketball, and ice hockey.
Enjoy the Heartwarming Clam Chowder Soup!
I’d like to share with you this delicious, creamy soup for the soul — New England Clam Chowder recipe. Have a taste of New England just as the Yankees do and enjoy a wonderful meal with your family!
Love this recipe? Share it with your friends and experience authentic New England food!
What about you? What famous food have you tried from different places?
Authentic New England Clam Chowder
Ingredients
- 4 strips center-cut bacon
- 2 pieces celery ribs chopped
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1 bottle (8 ounces) clam juice
- 3 tsp reduced-sodium chicken bouillon or granules
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups fat-free half-and-half divided
- 2 cans chopped clams or fresh clams undrained
Instructions
- Heat a Dutch Oven over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy. Set aside on paper towels to drain.
- In the same Dutch Oven, saute the onions and celery until tender.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add water, clam juice, bouillion, potatoes, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boi, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- In a bow, combine 1 cup half-and-half with the flour and mix until smooth. Pour gradually into the soup, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil, reduce to low heat and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Add the clams and remaining half-and-half. Heat through without boiling, stirring constantly. Turn off heat.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon. Serve in a sourdough bread bowl and garnish with chives.
1 thought on “Heartwarming New England Clam Chowder”
Wow. This chowder is amazingly good! Not a fan of clams but this came out really well! Would definitely make it again. Thank you for sharing!