Delia'S Manhattan Clam Chowder

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A hearty Manhattan clam chowder with tender clams, flavorful vegetables, and smoky bacon, perfect for comforting meals and seafood lovers seeking a rich, savory broth.

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Ingredients

  • 3 c. clams (3 doz. large cherrystone clams and juice or about 1 1/2 lb. chopped, frozen clams)
  • 5 c. clam juice
  • 1 c. chopped onion
  • 3/4 c. chopped carrots
  • 1 c. diced celery
  • 3 c. chopped potatoes
  • 1 large can tomatoes
  • 3 strips bacon
  • 1/4 tsp. thyme
  • 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

Instructions

  1. Braise chopped onion in butter until translucent.
  2. Add chopped celery, carrots, potatoes, and a little water; cook for 10 minutes.
  3. Add tomatoes, thyme, pepper, clam juice, and clams; cook for 20 minutes.
  4. Add tomato sauce, bring to a boil, and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using fresh cherrystone clams instead of frozen ones, but make sure to clean them properly. If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes during cooking. A pinch of smoked paprika can add an extra depth to the dish. If you're out of clam juice, a seafood stock can be a great substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley or croutons for added texture. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad, such as Judy'S Cornbread Salad, to complement the flavors. A crisp white wine can enhance the dining experience, making it a delightful meal for any occasion.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chowder in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling, as this can affect the texture of the clams and potatoes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Delia'S Manhattan Clam Chowder contains roughly 831 calories, with 15g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), potassium (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 811mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).

831 kcal 42% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15g 30% DV
Total Fat 35.6g 46% DV
Carbs 114.2g 42% DV
Fiber 10.9g 39% DV
Sugar 9.2g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 811.3mg 35% DV
Potassium 2555.8mg 54% DV
Cholesterol 10.2mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 69.4mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 61.5mg 68% DV
Calcium 95mg 7% DV
Iron 4.4mg 24% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Shellfish

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 different types of clams for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of clams, such as littleneck or Manila clams. Just ensure they're cleaned thoroughly and adjust the cooking time as needed based on their size.

How can I make this chowder vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of clam juice. You can also add more vegetables like corn or bell peppers for added flavor.

Can I freeze the chowder?

While it's possible to freeze clam chowder, the texture of the clams and potatoes may change upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the clams and adding them fresh when reheating.

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).

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