Easy and Delicious Clam Chowder Recipe

If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful dish to warm you up on a chilly evening, this clam chowder recipe is the perfect choice. Made with fresh clams, vegetables, and creamy broth, this classic New England dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of fresh clams
• 4 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups of diced potatoes
• 1 cup of diced carrots
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by cleaning the fresh clams under running water. Remove any dirt or sand, and discard any clams that are cracked or open. Set aside.
2. In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the diced potatoes and carrots to the pot and sauté for a few minutes, until they start to soften.
5. Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Add the fresh clams to the pot and cover with a lid. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the clams have opened. Discard any clams that have not opened.
7. Remove the clams from the pot and set aside to cool. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve and return to the pot.
8. Add the heavy cream, butter, and dried thyme to the pot and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Remove the cooked clams from their shells and chop into bite-sized pieces. Add the chopped clams and crispy bacon to the pot and stir to combine.
10. Serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers.