The Ultimate Manhattan Clam Chowder Recipe: Zesty & Soulful

Sailing through New England’s culinary landscape, manhattan clam chowder brings bold flavors to your kitchen.

Creamy tomato-based broths dance with tender clams and robust seasonings.

Fishermen along coastal waters perfected this classic recipe generations ago.

Maritime traditions merge with fresh ingredients in each spoonful.

Local herbs and ripe tomatoes contribute unexpected depth to this comforting dish.

Seafood enthusiasts appreciate how simple techniques create extraordinary results.

Let this chowder become your next delicious adventure.

Ingredients in Hearty Manhattan Clam Chowder

• Clams: Fresh seafood that adds rich, briny flavor to the chowder.
• Potatoes: Hearty root vegetable that provides thickness and substance to the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds bright acidity and vibrant color to the chowder.

• Onion, Celery, Carrot: Classic vegetable trio that builds a deep flavor foundation for the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and warm flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Bay Leaf, Thyme: Fragrant herbs that contribute subtle and complex flavor notes.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth and warmth to the chowder.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding a smooth base.
• Clam Broth: Provides a rich seafood flavor to the chowder.
• White Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a fresh finish to the dish.

How to Make Manhattan Clam Chowder with Ease

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions, celery, and carrots.

Gently cook these vegetables until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet flavors for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Unlock Garlic’s Fragrance

Add minced garlic to the vegetable mixture.

Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with a delightful aromatic punch.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Bay leaf
• Thyme
• Smoked paprika
• Diced tomatoes
• Clam broth
• White wine

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Introduce Potatoes

Slide chopped potatoes into the simmering liquid. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the potatoes become tender and start to break down slightly, helping to thicken the chowder.

Step 5: Add Succulent Clams

Fold in fresh clams and cook for 3-4 minutes. The clams will release their briny essence and become perfectly heated through.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Pluck out the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the ocean-inspired flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, herbal finish. Ladle the chowder into warm bowls and enjoy immediately.

Chowder Tips for a Flavorful Finish

• Swap white wine with clam juice or seafood stock for a non-alcoholic version that maintains rich flavor depth.
• Choose fresh clams over canned for superior taste and texture, ensuring they're thoroughly cleaned before cooking.
• Cut vegetables uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the chowder.
• Use smoked paprika sparingly to enhance flavor without overpowering delicate clam taste.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 2-3 days, reheating gently to prevent overcooking seafood.

New Takes on Classic Manhattan Clam Chowder

• Spicy Southwestern Clam Chowder: Replace smoked paprika with chili powder and add diced green chilies for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Clam Stew: Incorporate oregano, red pepper flakes, and swap white wine for dry vermouth to create a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Creamy Herb Clam Soup: Blend in heavy cream and increase fresh herbs like dill and chives for a richer, more herbaceous profile.
• Veggie-Loaded Clam Chowder: Add zucchini, bell peppers, and corn to boost vegetable content and create a more substantial meal.

What to Eat with a Bowl of Clam Chowder

• Savor Seafood-Friendly White Wine: Choose a crisp, light Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the chowder's tomato and clam flavors without overwhelming the delicate seafood notes.
• Pair with Crusty Artisan Bread: Select a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the rich, tangy broth and add textural contrast to the smooth chowder.
• Crisp Side Salad Accompaniment: Create a light green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the chowder's richness and provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the hearty soup.

Storing Your Manhattan Clam Chowder Smartly

• Refrigerate: Store the chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Pour cooled chowder into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing with potatoes as they may become mushy.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then gently warm in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and add a splash of clam broth or water to restore consistency.
• Microwave Reheating: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly heated.

FAQs for a Perfect Manhattan Clam Chowder

• What makes Manhattan Clam Chowder different from New England Clam Chowder?

Manhattan Clam Chowder uses a tomato-based broth instead of the creamy white base in New England style, giving it a tangy, lighter flavor with a red color.

• Can I use canned clams for this recipe?

Yes, canned clams work perfectly fine if fresh clams are not available. Just drain and add them towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.

• Is this chowder gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your clam broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

• How spicy is this chowder?

The recipe has a mild flavor profile with smoked paprika.

Why Manhattan Clam Chowder Is a Coastal Classic

• Celebrate Ocean's Bounty: Dive into a bowl of rich, flavorful clam chowder that brings the taste of the sea right to your kitchen.
• Boost Nutrition with Simplicity: Pack your meal with vegetables, protein, and herbs that create a balanced, wholesome dish perfect for any day.
• Master One-Pot Magic: Prepare a complete meal in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience for busy home cooks.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust spices and ingredients to suit personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different tastes and dietary needs.

Hearty Manhattan Clam Chowder with Fresh Herbs and Tomatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Manhattan clam chowder delivers robust New England coastal flavors with tangy tomato richness and tender clams swimming in a savory broth. Seafood enthusiasts will savor this classic soup’s perfect balance of oceanic ingredients and comforting warmth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds clams
• 1 pound small red potatoes
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 medium carrot
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 bay leaf

Herbs, Spices, and Liquids:

• 4 cups clam broth
• 1 cup white wine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a sizeable cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, introducing finely chopped aromatic vegetables and allowing them to soften and release their natural sweetness for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and sauté briefly until its pungent aroma permeates the kitchen, releasing intense flavor profiles.
3. Incorporate herbaceous elements like bay leaf and thyme, complemented by smoky paprika, then pour in diced tomatoes, rich clam broth, and crisp white wine to create a robust liquid foundation.
4. Bring the liquid mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat, allowing ingredients to gently simmer and meld flavors together.
5. Add cubed potatoes and allow them to tenderize and absorb the surrounding liquid, cooking for 10-12 minutes until they reach perfect consistency.
6. Delicately fold in fresh clams, permitting them to warm through and release their briny essence for 3-4 minutes without overcooking.
7. Extract the bay leaf and calibrate seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance overall taste complexity.
8. Finish the chowder with a vibrant sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, adding a bright, herbaceous note to the rich, maritime-inspired dish.

Notes

• Boost the umami flavor by adding a splash of fish sauce or Worcestershire sauce for depth.
• Opt for fresh clams if possible, but high-quality canned clams work perfectly as a convenient alternative.
• Keep the chowder dairy-free by skipping traditional cream and using a light coconut milk for a silky texture.
• Enhance the soup’s nutrition by tossing in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini for added color and vitamins.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg