Yankee Chowder

Dive into a bowl of hearty comfort with Yankee Chowder, a New England-inspired classic brimming with rich, creamy flavors. This indulgent recipe features tender fresh clams, diced russet potatoes, and smoky thick-cut bacon, all simmered in a velvety broth infused with clam juice, heavy cream, and aromatic herbs like thyme and bay leaf. Enhanced with the savory aroma of sautéed onions, celery, and garlic, this chowder is a perfect balance of rustic charm and coastal elegance. Ready in just an hour, it’s an ideal dish for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Serve it steaming-hot with a sprinkle of crispy bacon and fresh parsley, alongside a loaf of crusty bread for the perfect finishing touch. Whether you're craving a taste of the sea or a comforting, soul-warming meal, Yankee Chowder will leave you and your guests spooning for more.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups clam juice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 pounds fresh clams, scrubbed clean
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 loaf crusty bread (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and diced celery to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the diced potatoes to the pot and sprinkle with the flour. Stir to evenly coat the vegetables with the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to lightly toast.

Step 4

Pour in the clam juice and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent lumping.

Step 5

Add the fresh clams, thyme, bay leaf, kosher salt, and black pepper to the pot. Cover with a lid and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the clams have opened. Discard any clams that do not open.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, letting the chowder simmer gently for another 5 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.

Step 7

Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Discard the bay leaf before serving.

Step 8

Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with the reserved crispy bacon and chopped parsley. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3233.5 grams (3233.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3802

Total Fat 165.60g	212%
Saturated Fat 82.50g	413%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 711mg	237%
Sodium 7545mg	328%
Total Carbohydrate 360.30g	131%
Dietary Fiber 20.20g	72%
Total Sugars 17.50g
Protein 196.40g	393%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1292mg	99%
Iron 149mg	830%
Potassium 5837mg	124%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.1%

Protein: 21.1%

Carbs: 38.8%