Nothing says comfort food quite like a hearty bowl of New England Clam Chowder. This classic, creamy soup is a universal favorite, perfect for crisp autumn evenings or a cozy gathering with loved ones. And the best part? You don’t need to slave over the stove all day! This easy and simple recipe will have you creating a delicious Crock Pot New England Clam Chowder with minimal fuss. Just set it, forget it, and get ready to indulge in a warm, delightful meal.
Description
This blog will guide you through the full recipe, listing all the ingredients you’ll need and providing step-by-step instructions to make your own New England Clam Chowder in a Crock Pot. Whether you are a novice cook or an experienced chef, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and satisfying.
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Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s gather up all the ingredients you'll need. This recipe will yield about 6-8 servings, perfect for a family meal or storing some leftovers for later.
What You Will Need
- 4 (6.5 ounce) cans minced clams: Drained but save the juice.
- 1 1/2 lbs. peeled and diced potatoes: About 3 to 4 large potatoes.
- 1 cup chopped onion: A medium-sized onion works best.
- 1 cup chopped celery: Fresh and crisp.
- 1 cup diced carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness.
- 2 cups half-and-half cream: For that rich, creamy texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Doubling your creaminess.*
- 4 slices bacon: cooked and crumbled.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: For thickening your chowder.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Adjust as per taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground if possible.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a wonderful flavor.
- 1 bay leaf: To infuse the soup with subtle depth.
- 2 cups water: The base of your broth.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Because everything’s better with butter.
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Instructions
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s dive straight into the recipe. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables and Bacon
1. Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon in a pan until it’s crispy. Let it cool and then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
2. Prep the Veggies: Dice the potatoes, chop the onion, celery, and carrots into small pieces.
Step 2: Assemble in the Crock Pot
1. Layer Your Ingredients: In your Crock Pot, add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, celery, and carrots. These form the hearty base of your chowder.
2. Add Clam Juice and Water: Pour in the clam juice from the cans of minced clams you set aside earlier. Add 2 cups of water to this mixture.
3. Season: Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and toss in the bay leaf.
4. Mix: Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
Step 3: Cook
1. Turn on Your Crock Pot: Set your Crock Pot to low and let it cook for 4-5 hours. This slow cooking method will allow all the flavors to meld beautifully.
2. Check for Tenderness: After the initial cooking time, check to make sure the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Chowder
1. Make a Roux: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about a minute.
2. Add Cream: Slowly whisk in the half-and-half and heavy cream until the mixture starts to thicken. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Final Touches
1. Combine Roux with Crock Pot Mixture: Pour the thickened cream mixture into the Crock Pot. Stir to combine thoroughly.
2. Add Clams and Bacon: Finally, add your minced clams and cooked, crumbled bacon. Stir gently.
3. Cook Some More: Let the chowder cook for an additional 30 minutes on low to let all the flavors meld together.
Step 6: Serve
1. Remove Bay Leaf: Before serving, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf.
2. Serve Hot: Ladle the creamy clam chowder into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or additional crumbled bacon if desired.
Enjoy Your Comforting Meal!
There you have it—a simple, yet absolutely scrumptious Crock Pot New England Clam Chowder. This dish is a comforting classic, rich and bursting with flavor. Perfect to serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers. Enjoy the heartwarming goodness with your loved ones.
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Thank you for following along with this recipe! We hope it brings warmth and joy to your table. Stay tuned for more easy and delicious recipes to make your kitchen a place of love and comfort. Happy cooking!
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