Ye Olde Daddys Clam Chowder Food

YE OLDE DADDY'S CLAM CHOWDER RECIPE - (4.1/5)

Steps:

• 1. In large soup pot, on medium low temp, heat canola oil. Add onions, carrots and celery. Then add salt, pepper and Old Bay Seasoning and mix to combine. Cover pot, lower heat a bit and sweat vegetables until they're soft, about 5-8 minutes. Add cooked bacon and stir to combine. 2. Add crushed tomatoes, clam broth and water. Bring liquids to a simmer and cook covered on low for 20 minutes, Cook on very low if the liquids are bubbling too much. Add sugar and simmer another 5 minutes. Taste for seasoning and make sure the tomatoes are sweet enough. Add more sugar if necessary. 3. Add diced potatoes and simmer on low 15 minutes, covered. Add string beans, corn oregano, thyme and red pepper flakes if using. Cook 5 minutes and add the clams. Stir, let clams heat up and you're ready to serve.

OLD-FASHIONED CLAM CHOWDER

Steps:

• Pick over clams, discarding any with cracked shells or that feel heavy, an indication they are full of mud. Rinse them under cold running water to get rid of surface grit. If clams are very gritty, set them in a bowl with brine solution and keep cool, or refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.
• Drain clams, and place in a large, heavy soup kettle; add about 1/2 inch water to kettle, and set over medium heat. Cook, uncovered, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until all clams have opened. As they open, remove them from kettle and set aside. (Any clams that fail to open after 10 to 15 minutes should be discarded.) Strain clam liquor through several layers of cheesecloth into a 2-cup measuring cup, and set aside. Remove clams from shells, and set aside.
• Rinse out soup kettle and return to stove top. Add salt pork, pancetta or bacon dice and 1 tablespoon butter, and cook slowly over medium-low heat until dice brown a little on edges. Use a slotted spoon to remove dice from fat. Set aside.
• Add onions to fat and cook, stirring frequently, until soft but not brown. Stir in potatoes, and continue cooking another 5 minutes, until potatoes begin to soften. Add enough water to clam liquor in measuring cup to make 2 cups; pour this over potatoes. Add black pepper and bay leaves.
• Simmer gently, partially covered, until potatoes are tender. Add whole milk and simmer again. Stir in clams and evaporated milk or cream, stirring gently so as not to break open clam bellies. Taste, and add salt if necessary. Let come just to a simmer, and remove from heat. (Do not let chowder come to a full boil.)
• Chowder can be set in a cool place for several hours to develop flavors. Reheat to a simmer (do not let boil), then stir in chives or parsley and remaining butter just before serving. Pass common crackers at the table if you wish.