A hearty bowl of Manhattan Clam Chowder loaded with clams and veggies is the perfect addition to your soup menu this winter! Experience the rich flavors of this classic, tomato-based seafood soup, perfect for a cozy night in.

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Embrace Winter Warmth with Authentic Manhattan Clam Chowder

There’s an undeniable comfort that comes with a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly winter’s day, and few dishes capture that essence quite like Manhattan Clam Chowder. It’s a culinary staple that inexplicably took its sweet time to make an appearance on our blog – but as the saying goes, better late than never! This vibrant, tomato-based chowder is a delightful departure from its creamy cousin, offering a healthier yet equally satisfying experience for seafood lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike.

Manhattan vs. New England: A Chowder Showdown

For those familiar with clam chowder, the great debate between Manhattan and New England styles is often a topic of passionate discussion. Here at the Beach House Kitchen, we appreciate the distinct charms of both. While the rich, velvety texture of New England Clam Chowder holds a special place in our hearts, our Manhattan version truly shines when we’re seeking a lighter, more health-conscious option without compromising on flavor. The key difference lies in its base: Manhattan Clam Chowder eschews the heavy cream of its New England counterpart in favor of a bright, tangy tomato broth, brimming with savory clam juice and a medley of garden-fresh vegetables.

This creamless delight proves that you don’t need dairy to create a deeply flavorful and satisfying soup. Its clear, robust broth allows the natural sweetness of the clams and the earthy goodness of the vegetables to truly sing, making it a refreshing alternative that’s perfect for any occasion, especially when you’re aiming for a lighter meal.

More Than Just Soup: A Hearty Meal in a Bowl

Don’t let the “soup” label fool you; this Manhattan Clam Chowder is a complete meal in itself. Each spoonful is packed with a generous bounty of ingredients designed to nourish and satisfy. We’re talking plump, tender clams, hearty diced potatoes, sweet onions, crunchy carrots, crisp celery, and the unmistakable robust flavor of tomatoes, all brought together with a hint of smoky bacon. This carefully balanced combination ensures every bowl is loaded with textures and tastes that make it incredibly fulfilling. With such a diverse array of wholesome components, you’ll find yourself completely content, needing little more than a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping or a handful of classic oyster crackers to complete the experience.

The Essence of Flavor: Clams and Tomato Base

The foundation of any great Manhattan Clam Chowder lies in its distinct base and, of course, the clams themselves. The rich, savory liquid is primarily derived from quality clam juice, readily available bottled in most local markets, combined with the bright tang of crushed or diced tomatoes. This combination creates a deeply satisfying broth that’s both invigorating and comforting.

When it comes to the clams, flexibility is key. While nothing quite compares to the joy of freshly dug clams from the bay during summer, canned chopped clams are an excellent, convenient, and reliable substitute for those colder months. Brands like Bumble Bee offer perfectly prepared chopped clams that integrate seamlessly into the chowder, providing that authentic briny flavor without the extra effort of shucking. Don’t underestimate the power of these pantry staples to deliver a delicious and authentic taste profile, making this cherished recipe accessible year-round.

Simple, Flavorful, and Wholesome: The Perfect Weeknight Meal

This Manhattan Clam Chowder isn’t just delicious; it’s a beacon of flavor, health, and convenience, making it the ideal candidate for those hectic weeknights. Preparing this robust seafood soup is surprisingly straightforward, allowing you to whip up a gourmet-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Its vibrant taste profile, combined with its nutritional benefits and the satisfying heartiness of its ingredients, guarantees a resounding success at the dinner table. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for anyone who appreciates fine seafood and wholesome, easy-to-prepare dishes. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to a truly enjoyable and nourishing meal – your taste buds will thank you!

For those who still occasionally crave a cream-based soup that’s equally packed with clams, consider trying our Clams Casino Soup. It transforms the beloved classic appetizer into a decadent and delicious soup form, offering another fantastic option for clam enthusiasts.

Cook’s Essential Notes for Crafting Your Manhattan Clam Chowder:

Achieving the perfect balance in your Manhattan Clam Chowder is easy with a few simple considerations. For a truly clam-packed experience, we found that using five 6.5-oz. cans of chopped clams provides an ample and satisfying amount, though you can always adjust this quantity to suit your personal preference for more or less clam flavor. Remember to drain the clams thoroughly before adding them to the pot to ensure your chowder maintains its desired broth consistency and flavor profile.

The inclusion of four slices of cooked, finely chopped bacon adds an incredible depth of smoky flavor and a delightful textural contrast to the chowder. This subtle addition elevates the entire dish, creating a more complex and enticing taste. However, if you are preparing this soup for vegetarian guests or prefer a meat-free option, the bacon can be easily omitted without compromising the core deliciousness of the chowder. The rich tomato base and abundant vegetables will still provide a robust and satisfying experience.

Manhattan Clam Chowder

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 8 servings

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A hearty bowl of Manhattan Clam Chowder loaded with clams and veggies is the perfect addition to your soup menu this winter!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

4 slices bacon, chopped
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cups yellow onion, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 8-fluid-oz. bottles clam juice
1 14-oz. can diced tomatoes
1 8-oz. can tomato sauce
2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into small cubes
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried thyme leaves
2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
5 6.5-oz. cans chopped clams, drained
2 Tbsp. flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Cook bacon in a 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat until just crispy. Remove bacon from pot with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate. Set aside. Discard all but one tablespoon of bacon fat from the pot. Add the olive oil and onion to the pot and cook over medium heat until translucent and softened, about 5 minutes. Add the celery, carrots and garlic and continue to cook for 5-6 minutes.
Add the clam juice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, potatoes, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Increase the heat to medium-high and let come to a boil. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let simmer, cover and cook until vegetables are softened, about 12-15 minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir in the bacon, clams and parsley. Discard the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition

Keyword: Clam Chowder, Comfort Food

Cuisine: American

Course: Soup

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