New England Clam Chowder
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon diced
- 1 cup yellow onion diced
- 1 cup celery diced
- 1 cup leeks sliced thinly
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups red potatoes diced
- 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth or stock
- 3/4 cup clam juice
- 1/2 Tbsp dried thyme
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 dried bay leaves
- 1 1/2 tsp Tabasco sauce or your favorite hot sauce
- 2-3 cans 6.5 oz each chopped or minced clams drained
- 4 cups half and half
- sliced green onions for garnish optional
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over MED-LOW heat, then add bacon pieces and cook until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon (or tongs) to a paper towel lined plate, reserving drippings in the pot.
- Increase heat to MED, then add onion, celery and leeks and sauté about 3-4 minutes, until soft. Add flour and stir to coat vegetables. Cook 1 minute, stirring often.
- Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, clam juice, thyme, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and tabasco sauce. Stir well, then bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat and cover, simmering about 15 minutes or so, until potatoes are fork tender.
- Add canned clams, and pour in half and half stirring well to combine.
- Cook over MED heat, stirring often, about 5 minutes, or until heated through and thickened to desired consistency.
- Taste, then add salt and pepper if needed. Serve topped with cooked bacon, oyster crackers, sliced green onions and enjoy!