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Down East Clam Chowder

Photo Credit
Atsushi Hirao/shutterstock
Written By: The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors The Almanac Editors and Staff
Yield
4 to 6 servings
Category
Soups, Stews, Chowders
Course
Main Dish
Sources
The Yankee Cookbook

Down East Clam Chowder is a simple, authentic New England classic that lets fresh clams shine. Traditionally enjoyed along the Maine coast, this chowder skips heavy thickeners in favor of tender potatoes, briny clam broth, and creamy milk for a clean, comforting flavor. While nothing beats clams dug straight from a quiet bay, fresh local clams work beautifully in this timeless recipe.

Ingredients
4 dozen hard-shell clams, scrubbed, or 1 quart shucked cooked clams with their broth
1/4 pound cubed salt pork or 6 slices bacon
1 onion, coarsely chopped
6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 cups milk
2 cups half-and-half or evaporated milk
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
salt
freshly ground pepper

Instructions

  1. Pour clams into a large pot with 1 cup water. Cover, bring to a boil, and cook until shells open, about 10 minutes. Allow to cool, then shuck clams and set aside. Pour off broth and reserve, taking care not to disturb any sediment in the bottom of the pan.
  2. Cook salt pork in a large saucepan over medium heat until the fat runs. Add onion and cook, stirring, until tender. Pour off half the fat.
  3. Add potatoes to the pan and stir well. Add clam broth and just enough water to cover the potatoes. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
  4. Add milk and half-and-half; bring to a simmer. Add clams and butter; simmer a few minutes until clams are heated through and butter is melted. (Do not boil or clams will be tough.) Season with salt and pepper.

About The Author
The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Almanac Editors and Staff

Under the guiding hand of its first editor, Robert B. Thomas, the premiere issue of The Old Farmer’s Almanac was published in 1792 during George Washington’s first term as president.Today, the Almanac...
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