Get ready to transform your kitchen into a seaside haven with this ultimate Lion House Clam Chowder recipe that will make your taste buds dance with maritime delight! Imagine a bowl of pure comfort that combines the rich, smoky essence of crispy bacon, tender clams, and a luxuriously creamy broth that whispers stories of New England's coastal kitchens. This isn't just a soup - it's a culinary journey that promises to warm your soul and impress even the most discerning dinner guests with its incredible depth of flavor and restaurant-quality finish.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 2 cans (6.5 oz each) clams, drained
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing bacon, chopping onion, celery, and potatoes into uniform small pieces.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, rendering out the fat and creating a flavorful base.
- Add chopped onions to the bacon and sauté until translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Introduce diced potatoes and chopped celery into the pot, stirring to combine with bacon and onions, allowing vegetables to begin softening.
- Pour in chicken broth, covering the vegetables, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender but not mushy.
- Drain clams and set aside, reserving the clam liquid if desired for additional flavor enhancement.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper, creating a rich and creamy consistency.
- Gently fold in drained clams, heating them through without overcooking to maintain tenderness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, allowing flavors to meld for an additional 5-10 minutes on low heat.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional crisp bacon bits or fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- • Use fresh, high-quality clams if possible, but canned works wonderfully for convenience • Dice ingredients uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture • Don't rush the bacon rendering - letting it crisp slowly builds incredible flavor depth • Keep the heat low when adding cream to prevent curdling • Reserve some clam liquid for an extra boost of seafood flavor if desired • For a thicker chowder, you can mash some potatoes against the pot's side • Let the chowder rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully marry • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness • Pair with crusty sourdough bread for the ultimate comfort meal experience
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 110mg
