How to Make Chef John's Manhattan Clam Chowder - A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to classic seafood soups, few dishes can compete with the rich and satisfying flavors of Manhattan Clam Chowder. This beloved dish has been a staple in American cuisine for generations, and for good reason. Packed with tender clams, hearty vegetables, and a savory tomato broth, it’s a bowl of comfort that’s perfect for any occasion.

Today, we’re excited to share a timeless recipe for Manhattan Clam Chowder from the talented Chef John. With years of experience in the kitc...

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Ingredients

  • 2 (10 ounce) cans whole baby clams, undrained
  • 2 (6.5 ounce) cans chopped clams, undrained
  • 4 strips thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • kosher salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup bottled clam juice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 2 ribs celery, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • ½ cup diced Italian tomatoes
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 pinches cayenne pepper
  • 3 cups peeled, diced Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh tarragon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

Information

  • Prep Time: 35 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 servings

  • Drain baby and chopped clams. Reserve liquid in the refrigerator until needed and set clams aside.
  • Place bacon in a soup pot over medium-high heat; cook and stir until well-browned and almost crispy, 7 to 10 minutes. Add onion, garlic, and a pinch of salt; cook and stir until onions start to soften and turn translucent, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Add tomato paste; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Don't worry if some of the tomato paste sticks to the bottom of the pot; we want that to happen. Sprinkle in flour; cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Dump in reserved clam juice plus bottled clam juice and chicken broth. Stir with a spatula, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze any caramelization.
  • Add carrots, celery, clams, diced tomatoes, pepper, and cayenne; stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, skimming off some bacon fat if desired.
  • Add diced potatoes and cook until tender but not falling apart, about 20 minutes. Taste and adjust for salt, if needed. Stir in fresh tarragon and parsley just before serving.
  • Nutrition

    375 cal.

    • Total Fat: 6g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Cholesterol: 114mg
    • Sodium: 902mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 32g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Total Sugars: 4g
    • Protein: 46g
    • Vitamin C: 43mg
    • Calcium: 185mg
    • Iron: 45mg
    • Potassium: 1327mg