Best Clam Chowder Recipe | Cream-Based
Are you in search of a mouthwatering traditional cream-based clam chowder recipe? Look no further! This Best Clam Chowder recipe, named by Pioneer Girl, is a delightful combination of onions, celery, potatoes, carrots, clams, and cream. To enhance the flavor, a touch of red wine vinegar is added before serving. Gather your ingredients including 3 cans of minced clams, 1 onion, celery stalks, medium carrots, and 3 medium potatoes. Strain the clams, reserving the broth, while you dice the vegetables. Sauté the onion, celery, carrots, and potatoes in a large skillet until tender, then prepare a roux in a separate saucepan using butter and flour. Slowly whisk in half-and-half, creating a thick and smooth mixture. Combine the cooked vegetables with the broth, then add the minced clams. Stir in red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper for that extra kick of flavor. Serve your delicious bowl of clam chowder with traditional oyster crackers for a truly comforting experience.
Ingredients:
- 3 (6 1/2 ounce) cans of minced clams
- 1 onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup diced celery (2 stalks)
- 2 medium carrots, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 medium potatoes, diced (about 2 cups)
- 3/4 cup butter
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 quart half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Oyster crackers, for serving
Cooking steps:
- Open the cans of minced clams and strain them, reserving the broth.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion, celery, carrots, and potatoes until tender.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until smooth to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the half-and-half until the mixture becomes thick and smooth.
- Combine the cooked vegetables with the broth and stir to combine. Do not let it boil.
- Stir in the minced clams, ensuring they are heated without overcooking.
- Add the red wine vinegar, salt, and ground black pepper to taste, stirring until well mixed.
- The Best Clam Chowder is now ready to be served. Enjoy it with a side of traditional oyster crackers.
