New England Clam Chowder
New England Clam Chowder might be just the American recipe you are searching for. This recipe serves 4. One serving contains 260 calories, 11g of protein, and 10g of fat. It works well as a soup. Head to the store and pick up applewood-smoked bacon, bay leaf, thyme, and a few other things to make it today. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes about 30 minutes.
Instructions
Combine potato mixture and 1 1/4 cups water in a microwave-safe measuring cup. Microwave at HIGH 8 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Set aside.
While potatoes cook, combine remaining 1 cup water, clams, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 6 minutes or until shells open.
Remove clams from pan using a slotted spoon, and discard any unopened shells. Strain the cooking liquid through a fine mesh sieve over a bowl; discard solids. Cool clams slightly.
Remove meat from shells, and chop. Discard shells.
Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add bacon to pan, and cook for 4 minutes or until browned and crisp, stirring occasionally.
Remove bacon from pan using a slotted spoon. Increase heat to medium-high.
Add the celery to drippings in pan; saut 3 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
Combine flour and bottled clam juice in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk until smooth.
Add clam juice mixture and reserved cooking liquid to pan. Bring mixture to a boil; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly with a whisk.
Add reserved potato mixture and chopped thyme to pan; reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat. Stir in chopped clams, half-and-half, and salt. Divide chowder evenly among 4 bowls; sprinkle evenly with bacon, pepper, and chives.
Recommended wine: Chardonnay, Muscadet, Riesling
Clams can be paired with Chardonnay, Muscadet, and Riesling. Buttery chardonnay is great for scallops, shrimp, crab, and lobster, while muscadet is a classic pick for mussels, oysters, and clams. If you've got some spice in your shellfish, a semi-dry riesling can balance out the heat. The Stonestreet Estate Chardonnay with a 4.1 out of 5 star rating seems like a good match. It costs about 36 dollars per bottle.
Stonestreet Estate Chardonnay
The 2012 Estate Chardonnay delivers a distinct mineral backbone alongside a strong citrus element. Tangerine and marmalade emerge first from the glass, opening to a palate that cascades through peach and ocean spray—all culminating in a finish with surprising grip and acidity.