View source for Clam Chowder - New England Style

==Ingredients==
{|
|align=right|3
|6.5 oz. cans chopped/minced clams in clam juice
|-
|align=right|1
|8 oz. bottle clam juice
|-
|align=right|6
|thick center-cut bacon strips chopped
|-
|align=right|1
|tablespoon butter
|-
|align=right|2
|stalks celery finely chopped
|-
|align=right|1
|large onion chopped
|-
|align=right|1 1/4
|pounds 3 1/2 cups Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/4-1/2” cubes
|-
|align=right|3-5
|garlic cloves minced
|-
|align=right|1/4
|teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
|-
|align=right|1/3
|cup all-purpose flour
|-
|align=right|2
|cups low sodium chicken broth
|-
|align=right|2
|teaspoons chicken bouillon
|-
|align=right|2
|bay leaves
|-
|align=right|1/2
|tsp EACH dried parsley, dried oregano and salt
|-
|align=right|1/4
|tsp EACH dried thyme and pepper
|-
|align=right|1
|cup heavy cream
|-
|align=right|
|Oyster crackers
|-
|align=right|
|Fresh parsley
|}

==Directions==
#Drain clam juice from cans into a measuring cup. Add enough bottled clam juice to equal 2 1/2 cups. Set aside.
#In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until fat is rendered and slightly brown. Remove half of the bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate. To the remaining bacon and drippings, melt in 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
#Increase heat to medium high and add celery and onion. Saute for 5-7 minutes or until onions are soft. Add potatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour and cook an additional 1 minute. Stir in chicken broth, reserved 2 ½ cups clam juice, chicken bouillon, bay leaves and all seasonings. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are very tender.
#Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer to heat through. Discard bay leaves. Remove from heat and stir in clams. Taste and add salt/pepper to taste. (You may or may not need additional salt depending on how salty your clams and bacon are.) For a thinner or less chunky soup stir in additional heavy cream/milk or chicken broth.
#Top individual servings with reserved bacon and oyster crackers and fresh parsley if desired.

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[[Category:Food]]
[[Category:Recipes]]