Best Clam Chowder New England (2024 Update)

New England clam chowder is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. While the basic ingredients of this creamy soup remain consistent, each restaurant in the region puts their own unique twist on the recipe to make it stand out. Some restaurants use smoked bacon or pancetta to add a smoky flavor, while others use different types of seafood such as lobster or shrimp to give it a more complex taste. Some chefs add herbs such as thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor, and others add spices like cayenne pepper to give it a bit of heat. Some restaurants even experiment with different types of cream, such as coconut or almond milk, for a dairy-free version. Overall, the key to a successful twist on clam chowder is to balance the flavors and textures of the ingredients to create a memorable and satisfying dish that keeps customers coming back for more.

Making the perfect New England clam chowder at home requires a few key steps. Firstly, gather all the necessary ingredients such as fresh clams, potatoes, onions, garlic, celery, heavy cream, and bacon. Then, start by cooking the bacon in a large pot until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot. Next, sauté the onions, garlic, and celery in the bacon fat until they become translucent. Add in diced potatoes and enough water to cover them, and let them cook until they become tender.

While the potatoes are cooking, shuck the clams and reserve the juice. Once the potatoes are tender, add the clams and their juice into the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes. Next, add heavy cream and let it cook until it thickens. Finally, add the crispy bacon back to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with oyster crackers and enjoy!

It is important to use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Also, be careful not to overcook the clams or the chowder may become rubbery. Adjust the thickness and seasoning according to your preference. Follow these steps and you will have a delicious and authentic New England clam chowder in no time!

New England-style clam chowder is a creamy soup that contains potatoes, onions, and clams. It is thickened with a roux made of flour and butter and finished with heavy cream. This type of clam chowder is known for its smooth and velvety texture with a rich and savory flavor. It is traditionally made with quahog clams, which are large and meaty, and often includes bacon or salt pork for added flavor.

In contrast, other types of clam chowder, such as Manhattan-style and Rhode Island-style, are tomato-based and have a thinner consistency. Manhattan-style clam chowder contains tomatoes, celery, and carrots, while Rhode Island-style clam chowder is clear and brothy, with a stronger emphasis on the flavor of the clams.

Overall, New England-style clam chowder is a classic comfort food with a rich history, and its creamy and hearty nature sets it apart from other types of clam chowder.

The debate between creamy and tomato-based clam chowder is a hotly contested one in New England. Both versions have their die-hard fans and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Creamy clam chowder is the more traditional New England version, made with heavy cream, potatoes, onions, and of course, clams. It has a rich, velvety texture and a mild flavor that allows the briny taste of the clams to shine through. It's perfect for a cold winter day and pairs well with crusty bread.

Tomato-based clam chowder, on the other hand, is a newer variation that has gained popularity in recent years. It's made with tomatoes, clams, onions, and sometimes bacon or other vegetables. The tomato base gives it a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that balances the saltiness of the clams. It's a lighter option than creamy chowder and is a great choice for those who don't enjoy heavy cream.

Ultimately, it's up to the individual to decide which version they prefer. Some people swear by the creamy version, while others will only eat tomato-based chowder. It's worth trying both to see which one you like best.

New England clam chowder is a classic American soup that originated in the Northeastern region of the United States. While the basic recipe calls for clams, potatoes, onions, and cream, there are several popular variations of this dish that incorporate different ingredients and flavors.

One popular variation is Manhattan clam chowder, which is a tomato-based soup that originated in New York City. It typically includes tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and sometimes other vegetables like bell peppers. Manhattan clam chowder is often spicier and more acidic than New England clam chowder, and it usually doesn't contain cream.

Another variation is Rhode Island clam chowder, which is a clear broth soup that's made with clams, potatoes, onions, and sometimes bacon. Unlike New England and Manhattan clam chowder, Rhode Island clam chowder doesn't contain cream or tomatoes, and it's typically seasoned with thyme and other herbs.

There are also regional variations of New England clam chowder, such as Maine clam chowder, which often includes smoked haddock or bacon, and Cape Cod clam chowder, which is made with quahogs, a type of clam that's native to the region.

New England clam chowder is a popular dish that originated in the northeastern region of the United States. If you are a fan of this creamy and delicious soup, you may want to check out some of the best clam chowder festivals or events in the region.

One of the most popular events is the Annual Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival in Newport, Rhode Island. This festival takes place in October and features a variety of seafood dishes, including New England clam chowder, lobster rolls, and fried clams.

Another great event is the Wellfleet OysterFest in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. This festival takes place in October and celebrates the town's famous oysters and clams, including their delicious clam chowder.

The Portsmouth Chowder Festival in Portsmouth, New Hampshire is also a must-visit event for clam chowder lovers. This festival takes place in June and features some of the best chowders from local restaurants.

Lastly, the Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off in Newport, Rhode Island is another popular event that takes place in June. Here, you can sample some of the best clam chowders from different restaurants and vote for your favorite.

Overall, attending one of these recommended New England clam chowder festivals or events is a great way to experience the region's delicious cuisine and enjoy a fun-filled day with family and friends.

New England clam chowder is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The essential ingredients in this creamy soup include fresh clams, potatoes, onions, celery, bacon, heavy cream, and clam juice. The clams are the star of the dish and are typically chopped or diced, providing a rich and savory flavor to the chowder. The potatoes and onions add a subtle sweetness to the soup, while the celery provides a refreshing crunch. Bacon is often added for richness and depth of flavor.

To make the chowder, the clams are first cooked in their juices until they are tender and flavorful. The vegetables are then added and cooked until they are soft. The clam juice is added along with the heavy cream, which gives the chowder its signature creamy texture. The soup is then seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.

New England clam chowder is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for cooler weather. It can be served as a main course or as a side dish and is often accompanied by oyster crackers or crusty bread.

New England clam chowder is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations in the northeastern United States. Its history dates back to the early settlers in the region, who relied heavily on seafood as a source of protein. The dish is believed to have originated in the coastal towns of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maine in the late 1700s.

The traditional recipe for New England clam chowder includes clams, potatoes, onions, bacon, and milk or cream. Over the years, variations on the recipe have emerged, with some chefs adding additional ingredients like carrots, celery, and herbs.

The popularity of New England clam chowder has only grown over time, with the dish becoming a staple of seafood restaurants and home kitchens across the country. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a comforting and satisfying meal, particularly on a chilly day.

Despite its long history, New England clam chowder remains a beloved dish that continues to delight both locals and tourists who visit the northeastern United States.

A great New England clam chowder is all about the balance of flavors and textures. First, it should have a creamy base that is not too thick, yet not too thin. It should have a natural, slightly sweet flavor from fresh clams, combined with the savory taste of bacon and onions. The clams should be tender, not rubbery, and there should be a generous amount of them in the chowder.

The dish also often includes potatoes, which should be cooked until they are tender but not mushy. The seasoning should be subtle, with just enough salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients without overwhelming them.

Lastly, a great New England clam chowder should be served hot and garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to add a touch of brightness to the dish. All of these elements come together to create a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a chilly New England evening.

New England is known for its delicious seafood cuisine, and clam chowder is a popular dish in the region. There are many great restaurants and seafood shacks that serve clam chowder, and the best one can be subjective, depending on personal preference.

However, some of the most highly-rated places for clam chowder in New England include Legal Sea Foods in Boston, The Black Pearl in Newport, RI, and The Clam Shack in Kennebunkport, ME. These establishments are known for their fresh ingredients, traditional recipes, and consistent quality.

But, if you're willing to venture off the beaten path, you may stumble upon a hidden gem that serves the best clam chowder you've ever tasted. It's always worth asking locals for recommendations or doing some research online to find lesser-known but equally delicious options.

Overall, New England is the perfect place to indulge in a bowl of creamy, hearty clam chowder, and with so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings.