## **🥣 New England Clam Chowder – A Comforting Classic**
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 40 minutes
**Servings:** 6
**Calories per Serving:** 350 kcal
### **📖 The Story Behind the Dish**
New England Clam Chowder is a dish with **deep-rooted American history**—a comforting, creamy soup that has warmed hearts for centuries. Originating from **fishermen along the Northeastern coast**, this chowder became a staple in seaside communities and prestigious restaurants alike.
The perfect balance of **tender clams, velvety cream, and aromatic herbs** makes it **one of the most iconic seafood dishes**. Whether you’re curled up on a cold evening or craving a rich, satisfying meal, this recipe never disappoints.
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### **📝 Ingredients:**
– 500g fresh clams, cleaned
– 2 cups diced potatoes
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 3 tbsp butter
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– ½ tsp salt
– ½ tsp black pepper
– ½ tsp thyme
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### **🔥 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:**
1. **Steam the clams:** In a pot with **1 cup water**, steam clams until they open. Remove meat and set aside.
2. **Sauté the aromatics:** Melt **butter** in a large pot and sauté **onion and garlic** until soft.
3. **Build the base:** Stir in **flour**, cooking for **1 minute** to make a roux.
4. **Add liquids and seasonings:** Pour in **broth**, add **potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper**, then simmer until potatoes are tender.
5. **Creamy finish:** Pour in **heavy cream**, add **clam meat**, and stir well. Heat gently—don’t boil!
6. **Serve hot:** Enjoy with **crackers or rustic bread** for the perfect experience.
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### **🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):**
– **Calories:** 350 kcal
– **Protein:** 25g
– **Fat:** 22g
– **Carbs:** 20g
– **Fiber:** 2g
– **Sodium:** 580mg
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### **💡 Cooking Tips & Variations:**
– **Extra creaminess:** Add more **heavy cream or use half-and-half**.
– **Smoky depth:** Stir in **crispy bacon bits** before serving.
– **Dairy-free option:** Use **coconut milk** instead of heavy cream.
– **Gluten-free swap:** Replace flour with **cornstarch** for thickening.
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### **🔎 SEO-Optimized FAQ Section:**
**Q: Can I use canned clams?**
Absolutely! Use **two cans of chopped clams** and include their juice for added flavor.
**Q: What can I serve with chowder?**
Classic pairings include **oyster crackers, sourdough bread, or even a fresh green salad**.
**Q: How do I prevent the cream from curdling?**
Avoid boiling—keep the heat **gentle** when adding cream for a smooth consistency.
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### **📢 User Engagement & Serving Suggestions**
– **Perfect wine pairing:** A crisp **white wine** like Chardonnay complements the richness.
– **Encourage variations:** Ask readers to share their favorite chowder add-ins!
– **Interactive hook:** Suggest a **New England seafood night** and include this recipe.