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October 27, 2020Yell A Little Loudah For My New Favorite Chowdah!
Corn and Clam Chowder
Soup
As the long hot summer faded away to autumn, I was looking around for inspiration when I came across this chowder recipe from Boston chef Matthew Jennings. Once I read it included bacon, corn, and jalapeño, I was in!
Chef Jennings uses fresh littleneck clams in his recipe and includes instructions on steaming them (in recipe link at bottom). I took the less expensive and easier route and went with canned minced clams. After making this the first time, I felt it needed more clams and used three cans rather than the two shown in the ingredient photo.
Here’s a tip for cutting the corn off the cob without it flying all over: Holding the corn carefully (and keeping your fingers out of the way), stand one end of the husked corn in the center hole of a Bundt cake pan, cut down so that all the kernels are caught in the pan. After you’ve removed all the kernels, run the back of your knife or a spoon along the length of the cob to extract all the excess corn milk for extra flavor. Easy!
Heavy cream is at least 36% milk fat while half and half is 10 to 18%. For a lighter option you can use half and half. Just be sure to warm it slightly before adding to the pot to avoid curdling or splitting.
This is not a traditional clam chowder. I think it is a more end of summer chowder with its thick and creamy corn deliciousness. The clams add just the right touch of briny yumminess. We will definitely be adding this chowder to our soup rotation. If you are longing for cooler weather and a hearty chowder, give this recipe a try. I think you will like it!
INGREDIENTS:
3 thyme sprigs
1 rosemary sprig
1 bay leaf
3 (6.5-ounce) cans chopped clams
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
1/4 cup dry white whine
5 cups corn removed from the cob (about 5 ears corn)
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 large russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Good quality extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Garnish:
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
DIRECTIONS:
Using kitchen twine, make an herb bundle of the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. In a small bowl, drain the clams, reserving the broth.
In a Dutch oven over medium heat and sauté the bacon until it is crispy about 12 to 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
If the pan looks dry, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onions, shallots, garlic, carrot and jalapeño and season with a large pinch of salt and a couple of grinds of pepper. Cook, often stirring, until soft and brown, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Add the wine, reduce the heat, and cook for 2 minutes. Add the corn and cook for another 6 minutes to slightly soften the corn. Stir in the reserved clam juice, cream, water, cayenne, and sugar.
Add the herb bundle to the soup. Cook uncovered over medium heat until the cream has reduced by a third, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and discard the herb bundle.
Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until almost but not quite smooth. Return to low heat, add the potatoes, and cook until almost tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Add the clams and stir until heated through—season to taste with salt and pepper.
Garnish with the chopped chives, tarragon and reserved bacon before serving. And don’t forget the oyster crackers!
Serves 6.
Recipe lightly adapted from Tasting Table
https://www.tastingtable.com/cook/recipes/clam-corn-new-england-chowder-recipe-best-soup-recipes
Based on 24 Review(s)
