Grandmother’s Clam Chowder Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of clam chowder on a cold winter day. And when that recipe comes from your own grandmother, it’s even more special. This traditional clam chowder recipe has been passed down for generations in my family, and now I’m excited to share it with you. With its creamy base and abundance of fresh clams, this chowder will warm your heart and your taste buds. So let’s get started on making Grandmother’s Clam Chowder!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds fresh clams in their shells
- 4 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Start by cleaning and scrubbing the clams in their shells. Discard any clams that are already open or broken.
- In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the potatoes and garlic to the pot, and stir for about 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, oregano, and the cooked bacon to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the chowder to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, add the clams to the pot. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the clams have opened. Discard any clams that do not open.
- Remove from heat and let the chowder cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips:
When cleaning the clams, make sure to scrub off any sand or debris on the shells. You can also soak them in cold saltwater for a few hours to help remove any grit.
Bacon adds a nice smoky flavor to the chowder, but you can also use pancetta or even salt pork instead.
If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can add a roux made with equal parts butter and flour to the pot before adding the clams.
Safety Precautions:
When handling clams, make sure to discard any shells that are already open or broken. This ensures that all the clams are fresh and safe to eat.
Be careful when cooking the bacon to avoid any splatter or burns.
Let the chowder cool down for a few minutes before serving to avoid any burns from the hot broth.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide:
1. Clean and scrub the clams in their shells.
2. Cook the bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the chopped onion in the same pot until translucent.
4. Add the potatoes and garlic to the pot.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and seasoning.
6. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
7. Add the clams and cover, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes.
8. Let the chowder cool for a few minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for Premium Results:
To add a touch of sweetness to the chowder, you can incorporate some corn or carrots in the recipe. Just add them with the potatoes in step 4.
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can substitute with fish or vegetable broth.
For an even creamier chowder, you can replace the heavy cream with half and half for a lighter option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use canned clams in this recipe?
While fresh clams are always preferred, you can use canned clams as well. Just drain them and add them in step 7.
2. Can I freeze this clam chowder?
This chowder is best enjoyed fresh, so it’s not recommended to freeze it. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3. Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this clam chowder a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Now that you have the recipe and all the tips and tricks, it’s time to make Grandmother’s Clam Chowder and enjoy a hearty and delicious meal with your loved ones. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy and warmth as it has brought to my family for generations.
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