Northeastern Clam and Corn Chowder with Fresh Herbs
A hearty chowder combining sweet corn, fresh clams, and aromatic herbs for a comforting Northeastern U.S. inspired soup. This american-inspired soups ready in about 60 minutes pairs fresh clams, cleaned, fresh corn kernels, chopped bacon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh clams, cleaned
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels
- 4 slices, chopped bacon
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 2, diced celery stalks
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 medium, peeled and diced potatoes
- 4 cups clam juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, cook 4 chopped bacon slices until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving rendered fat.
- Step 2: Add 2 tbsp butter, 1 diced yellow onion, and 2 diced celery stalks to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour over vegetables, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Step 5: Gradually whisk in 4 cups clam juice and add 2 diced medium potatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Step 6: Add 2 cups fresh corn kernels and 2 lbs cleaned clams. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until clams open. Discard any unopened clams.
- Step 7: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat through for 3 minutes without boiling.
- Step 8: Garnish with reserved crispy bacon pieces and serve warm with crusty bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Northeastern Clam and Corn Chowder with Fresh Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Northeastern Clam and Corn Chowder with Fresh Herbs?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh clams, cleaned from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Northeastern Clam and Corn Chowder with Fresh Herbs?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Northeastern Clam and Corn Chowder with Fresh Herbs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Northeastern Clam and Corn Chowder with Fresh Herbs?
American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
