Thinking about my New England roots on a chilly day and clam chowder comes to mind. It’s a warm, classic comfort food. I wanted an easy dinner, but still capture the traditional flavors of a New England Chowder.
Here is a shortcut version. I used little neck clams, but Quahog (large hard shell) clams or cherrystone clams can be used.
Helpful Hints
To wash clams scrub shells under cold running water. Tap any clams that are open on the counter. If they do not close, discard them. Also, discard any clams that do not open when cooked.
- Wash clams.
- Prepare all ingredients.
- Make chowder.
To buy: 1 package sliced bacon, 1 green bell pepper, 1//2 pound yellow or red potatoes, 1 bottle clam juice, 1 can reduced sodium canned diced tomatoes, 24 little neck clams, 1 carton light cream and 1 bunch parsley
Clam Chowder
Ingredients- 2 slices bacon slicers, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 3/4-cups yellow or red potato with skin cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 1/2-cups clam juice
- 1 cup reduced sodium canned diced tomatoes with juice
- 24 littleneck clams, rinsed well
- 1/2 cup light cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Heat a large saucepan over medium high heat and add the bacon and cook until crisp. Pour any excess bacon fat off and add the onion and bell pepper to the saucepan. Sautee for 3 minutes. Stir in the potatoes, clam juice and tomatoes. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook 5 minutes. Add the clams, cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through or until the clams open. Move off the heat, stir in the cream and remove the clams with tongs or a slotted spoon, leaving 3 to 4 in the pan for garnish. Detach the clam meat from the remaining shells and return the meat to the chowder. Stir in the parsley and salt and pepper to taste. Divide the chowder between two large soup bowls,
Yield 2 servings.
Per serving: 419 calories (34 percent from fat), 15.8 g fat (8.3 g saturated, 4.6 g monounsaturated), 93 cholesterol, 31.4 g protein, 40.1 g carbohydrates, 6.5 g fiber, 1491 mg sodium.
