New England Clam Chowder with Leeks and Bacon Recipe
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Category: |
Category: |
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Ingredients: |
Ingredients: 36 clams in the shell, well scrubbed
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups water
1 cup dry white wine
1/4 lb. lean bacon, rind removed, coarsely chopped
1 leek, including tender green portions, trimmed, carefully washed and thinly sliced
1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 cups light cream
1 lb. red potatoes, peeled or unpeeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3/4 tsp. dried thyme
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh chives
1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
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Directions: |
Directions:Discard any cracked or open clams. In a large pot, melt 1 Tbs. of the butter over low to medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until it begins to soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the water and wine, raise the heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat slightly. Immediately add the clams, cover and steam just until they open, 7 to 10 minutes.
Line a strainer with a cheesecloth and set inside a large bowl. Pour the contents of the pot into the strainer; discard any unopened clams. Set the clams and strained liquid aside separately.
Rinse out the pot, add the remaining 1 Tbs. butter and place over medium heat. Add the bacon and sauté until it just begins to brown. Add the leek and sauté until it begins to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute more.
Stirring continuously, pour in the reserved clam liquid and the cream. When the liquid reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the potatoes and thyme.
Pull the clams from the shells. If they are large, cut them into 1/2-inch pieces. When the potatoes are tender, after about 15 minutes, add the clams and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes more. Season with pepper. Ladle into warmed bowls and garnish with the chives and parsley. |
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Number Of
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Number Of
Servings:Serves 4 to 6. |
Preparation
Time: |
Preparation
Time:guestimating, about an hour? |
Personal
Notes: |
Personal
Notes: The slightly sweet flavors of the leeks and bacon highlight the natural sweetness of fresh clams in this elaboration of a classic chowder. Fresh bay scallops would also be good prepared this way. Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers.
Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Kitchen Library Series, Soups, by Norman Kolpas (Time-Life Books, 1993).
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