 |
This is hands down my all time favorite soup recipe. I have not had a clam chowder that tastes better than this…I won’t even order it at restaurants any more. However, I do realize that I don’t live any where were there are fresh clams so there might be a better clam chowder out there, but I haven’t had it. My 7yo daughter begs and begs for this as well, so despite the 120 degree temps outside, I made it for her.
Before you move down to the recipe, I’m warning you now that I make this in a pressure cooker (it can be made in a regular pot as well). Pressure cookers have come a long way and are really safe. My favorite brand is Kuhn Rikon, 
Also, I use a couple of specialty ingredients, but they are worth it! I love Ultra Gel…it is an instant thickener. I found another brand on Amazon.
To serve, I usually set up a toppings bar and let everyone top their chowder how they want. The kids think it’s fun!
Clam Chowder
6 slices bacon, cut up
2 Tbsp butter
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans clams, with juice, 10-oz cans
2 Tbsp clam base
1 cup celery, chopped
4 potatoes, cubed (4 or 5)
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
3 cups half and half, whipping cream, or any grade milk*
Ultra Gel (instant thickener) or 2 tbls corn starch & 1/4 cup broth
In 5 quart pressure cooker, fry bacon until tender. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels (reserve about 2 slices for topping). Deglaze pot with butter and onion. Add garlic and sauté until vegetables are tender.
Add clams, clam base, celery, potatoes, chicken broth, and spices. Bring to a boil. Put on pressure lid and bring to second red ring. Time for 3-5 minutes, then drop pressure immediately under cold water. (Or boil on the stove top until the potatoes are tender.)
Add half and half and heat through. Thicken with Ultra Gel to get desired consistency (or combine 2 tbls corn starch with 1/4 cup broth and add to the chowder; add more if needed). Adjust seasonings.
**I usually use a combination of whatever milk I have on hand and whatever (unflavored) half & half we have for our coffee.
Oh I just so love this recipe. I am a great soup eater, and this one goes straight to my hall of fame. Amazing dish, specially at the time as the fall is setting. This is gonna be one of my primary eatings this season. thanks a lot.
Tony recently posted..Physical Therapy Assistant
Okay, I’m going to have to give this a try. My husband’s been bugging me to make clam chowder forever and this looks awesome!
Chelsea @ Someday I’ll Learn recently posted..Surprise Wedding
It’s bedtime here, but you are making my mouth water! I am a new follower…I love your recipes! Thank you! GraceinAZ
I linked up harvest soup this week…made in my pressure cooker. I love new pressure cooker recipes. Thanks for sharing this one and thanks for hosting.
i love clam chawder, i need to make one for me
Yum! We love Clam Chowder around here. Your recipe sounds great. Thanks for posting.
Tiffany Cruz recently posted..Chocolate Dipped Halloween Banana Pops
This looks delicious! I’ve never made a chowder before! Once it cools off in my neck of the woods I’ll definitely give this a try! =)) Thanks so much for sharing!
Byrdie recently posted..Lets get this party started!
Soup is especially delicious in the Fall. I would love to have a “Soup Party” where everyone brings their favorite soup.
My hubby would love this!
I would love it if you’d link this up on my blog carnival Family Time Tuesday!
Janice
Janice recently posted..$15 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!
By far my favorite soup of all time! I’m just terrified to make it myself.
Adelina Priddis recently posted..Foodie Friday – Hot Chocolate
My hubby loves clam chowder…I will have to try your recipe, even though I don’t have a pressure cooker. My mom had one and made some delicious meals with it! Haven’t heard about Ultra Gel before, will see if I can find it.
Thanks for this! Its sounds so good. I’m a New Englander living in Kansas and good clam chowder is one of the biggest things I miss. I’m going to have to try this
You can now get real Ultra Gel on Amazon! It is by far the cheapest you will find it online.
http://www.amazon.com/Cornabys-Ultra-Gel-16-Ounce/dp/B00910LUQS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351092542&sr=8-1&keywords=ultra+gel