Clam Chowder Manhattan Style
Manhattan-style clam chowder delivers a hearty, flavorful soup with tender clams, vegetables, and smoky pork, perfect for cozy gatherings or seafood lovers seeking rich comfort.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. salt pork or bacon, cut into small pieces ⓘ
- 1 c. minced onion
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped flat leaf parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 c. minced celery ⓘ
- 1 c. minced green pepper
- 3 (6 1/2 oz.) cans minced clams ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) bottles clam juice ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb. 12 oz.) can Italian style tomatoes, drained and chopped ⓘ
- finely diced potatoes ⓘ
- 8 c. water ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- tomato sauce for color ⓘ
- chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- In a heavy soup pot, cook salt pork with onion, parsley, and black pepper until the pork starts to render fat.
- Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add bay leaf, celery, and green pepper; cook for 15 minutes.
- Add juice from minced clams, one bottle of clam juice, liquid from tomatoes, potatoes, and water.
- Simmer for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using pancetta instead of salt pork or bacon. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the meat with smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor. Ensure to rinse the clams to remove any grit. Adding a splash of white wine during cooking can enhance the taste. Fresh herbs like thyme can also elevate the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the clam chowder hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a Summer Potato Salad or alongside your favorite Pork recipes. A sprinkle of lemon juice can brighten the flavors further.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover clam chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as it may cause the clams to become tough. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months, but the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Clam Chowder Manhattan Style contains roughly 3064 calories, with 7g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 331g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (65% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 969mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh clams instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh clams. You'll need about 2 pounds of fresh clams. Steam them until they open, then chop and add them to the chowder towards the end of cooking. Be sure to reserve the clam broth for added flavor.
How can I thicken the chowder?
If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes after cooking or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the last few minutes of simmering. This will help achieve a creamier consistency without altering the flavor.
What can I substitute for clam juice?
If you don't have clam juice, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or chicken broth. However, for a more authentic flavor, consider adding a bit of fish sauce or Worcestershire sauce to mimic the seafood taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).