Go Back
+ servings
A white bowl filled with Manhattan clam chowder.
Print

Manhattan Clam Chowder

Think all chowder recipes are creamy? This easy Manhattan Clam Chowder recipe is delicious proof otherwise. A light tomato base allows the clam flavor to shine.
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 8 servings (1 cup each)
Calories 97kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Line a plate with paper towels and set aside. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the bacon for about 7-8 minutes until crispy, flipping over halfway. Remove bacon from pan and set aside.
  • To the bacon fat, add the onions, celery, and carrots, cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 mins. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring often.
  • To the vegetable mixture, add clam juice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and potatoes. Season with red pepper flakes, salt and pepper (like 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  • Chop bacon, if using, and add to pot along with clams, and heavy cream and continue to simmer uncovered, about 10 minutes. Serve individual bowls and garnish with parsley and oyster crackers.

Video

Notes

  1. Bacon: For a vegetarian substitute, replace the bacon with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and start at step 2.
  2. Clam juice: This infuses additional clam flavor and keeps the chowder from being too bland.
  3. Potatoes: A semi-waxy, buttery variety like Yukon golds hold their shape well in this chowder, as do baby red potatoes.
  4. Canned clams: My instructions call for draining these before adding to the chowder base. If you prefer your chowder to have stronger clam flavor, reserve the juice from drained clams and add a splash, or your desired amount to taste, in step 4. Or if you like it extra clammy, simply use 2 cans (plus juice, if you like).
  5. Yield: This recipe makes eight 1-cup servings, ideal for a round of family dinners plus some leftovers (for those who are lucky enough to savor a second round!).
  6. Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  7. Freezer: Cool the chowder in the refrigerator, then pour into freezer-safe storage containers or heavy-duty zip-top freezer bags and freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
  8. Get creative with your chowder: Add diced sweet potatoes with the potatoes. For even more herby flavor, stir in a bay leaf or some fresh thyme. And if the red pepper flakes don't add quite enough kick, shake in a few drops of hot sauce.
  9. Take your bowl over the top: Fresh parsley and oyster crackers are traditional toppings. You could also toss on some extra crumbled crispy bacon, sliced scallions, or fresh herbs such as basil or tarragon. If you don't feel like oyster crackers, a handful of croutons or a few pieces of toasted crostini are always welcome, too!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 97kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 134mg | Potassium: 231mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1704IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg