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Easy Creamy Clam Chowder Recipe Perfect for Cozy Winter Nights

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This easy creamy clam chowder is a warm, comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. It features a smooth, velvety broth with tender clams and soft potatoes, made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (6.5 oz / 184 g) cans of chopped clams, drained
  • 2 medium potatoes (about 10 oz / 280 g), peeled and diced (Yukon Gold recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole or 2% milk
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (optional)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice the potatoes into roughly ½-inch cubes. Finely chop the onion and celery, and mince the garlic. (About 10 minutes)
  2. In a large pot over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the softened veggies and stir constantly for 2 minutes until the mixture looks paste-like and slightly golden.
  5. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Add the diced potatoes, fresh thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  6. Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to blend about one-third of the soup in the pot for a silky texture, or mash the potatoes manually if preferred.
  7. Stir in the drained clams, milk, and heavy cream (if using). Warm through over low heat for 5 minutes without boiling.
  8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust consistency with extra milk or broth if needed.
  9. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut milk instead of milk and cream. For gluten-free, replace flour with cornstarch slurry. Avoid overcooking clams to prevent toughness. If chowder thickens after resting, stir in extra milk before reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: clam chowder, creamy clam chowder, easy clam chowder, winter soup, comfort food, seafood soup, chowder recipe

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/easy-creamy-clam-chowder-recipe-perfect-for-cozy-winter-nights/