Low-Fat Clam Chowder

Summary

Yield
4 Servings
Source

Food Network Magazine, October 2010

Prep time2 hours

Description

Ingredients

4PoundCherrystone Clams (scrubbed)
2 Red Potatoes (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
1 Bacon Slice (chopped)
1 Onion (diced)
1 Stalk Celery (thinly sliced)
2CloveGarlic (minced)
1TeaspoonThyme (minced)
2 Bay Leaves
1CupHalf-and-Half
4TeaspoonButter (sliced)
2TablespoonParsley (chopped)
2TablespoonChives (chopped)
1⁄2TeaspoonPaprika
 DashSalt
 DashGround Black Pepper

Instructions

1.Put the clams and 2 cups water in a pot. Cover, bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook 5 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook until the clams open, 5 to 10 minutes (discard any that do not open); transfer the clams to a bowl. Pour the liquid into a large measuring cup. (You should have 3 cups liquid; add water if needed.) Wipe out the pot.
2.Pour the liquid back into the pot through a paper towel-lined sieve. Add the potatoes cover and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Remove one-third of the potatoes. Continue to cook the remaining potatoes covered until soft, about 10 more minutes. Puree in batches in a blender until smooth. Return the soup to the pot.
3.Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and celery and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
4.Meanwhile, remove the clams from their shells and roughly chop. Stir the clam meat and half-and-half into the soup; remove from the heat, cover and set aside, 20 to 30 minutes.
5.Discard the bay leaves. Season the soup with salt ad pepper and reheat. Serve topped with a slice of butter, parsley, chives, and paprika.