Savory Ina Garten Manhattan Clam Chowder Recipe for Instant Joy

Manhattan clam chowder dances with oceanic zest, delivering a symphony of coastal flavors in one steaming bowl.

This iconic soup erupts with tangy tomato brilliance and succulent seafood treasures.

Brimming with plump clams and vibrant vegetables, the recipe whispers tales of New England’s maritime heritage.

Crimson-hued broth captures the essence of seaside comfort, breaking away from traditional cream-based alternatives.

Packed with robust ingredients, the chowder transforms humble components into a culinary masterpiece.

Every spoonful promises a rich, tantalizing journey through maritime traditions.

Savor a bowl that connects you directly to the ocean’s bountiful spirit!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything That Goes into Ina Garten Manhattan Clam Chowder

• Onions: Choose firm, glossy bulbs without soft spots for maximum flavor depth.
• Celery: Select crisp, bright green stalks with minimal blemishes for fresh crunch.
• Garlic: Pick plump, compact heads with tight, unbroken skin for robust essence.
• Red Pepper: Look for vibrant, smooth peppers without wrinkles or dark patches.

• Parsley, Thyme, Bay Leaf: Opt for fresh herbs with bright green color and strong aromatic scent.
• Black Pepper: Select whole peppercorns for grinding to release intense, zesty flavor.

• Clam Juice: Choose low-sodium varieties for better flavor control.
• Tomato Paste: Pick rich, concentrated paste in glass or metal containers.
• Potatoes: Select firm, smooth-skinned spuds without sprouts or green areas.

• Tomatoes: Choose ripe, deep-colored fruits for natural sweetness.
• Fresh Clams: Pick tightly closed shells with no cracks, indicating freshness.
• Olive Oil: Select cold-pressed, extra virgin for superior taste and quality.

Tools to Prepare Manhattan Clam Chowder

• Large pot: Deep cooking vessel for building flavors and simmering chowder.
• Kitchen twine: Essential for creating a neat herb bundle.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for accurate liquid and ingredient measurements.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients gently.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving hot chowder into individual bowls.
• Serving bowls: Warm ceramic dishes to present the final dish.

Cooking Directions for Clam Chowder

• Create Flavor Foundation

Warm a splash of olive oil in a spacious pot. Toss in diced onions, celery, garlic, and red pepper. Let the vegetables dance and soften, releasing their aromatic magic for about 8 minutes.

• Build Depth and Character

Swirl in tomato paste and let it caramelize briefly, intensifying the overall flavor landscape. Bundle parsley, thyme, and bay leaf together with kitchen twine, then add this herb package alongside chunky potato pieces.

• Develop Liquid Essence

Pour clam juice into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let everything simmer quietly until potatoes become tender and yielding.

• Introduce Ocean Treasures

Fold in chopped tomatoes and fresh clams, allowing them to mingle and cook for a few minutes. Season with a sprinkle of black pepper, awakening the chowder’s rich flavors.

• Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming chowder into warm bowls. Shower with freshly chopped parsley, creating a vibrant finishing touch. Serve immediately, inviting everyone to savor the warm, comforting embrace of this seafood delight.

Flavor Boosts for Manhattan Chowder

• Swap Seafood Styles: Replace clams with shrimp, crab, or a mixed seafood medley for a personalized ocean-inspired twist. Each protein brings its unique texture and flavor profile to the chowder.
• Build Creamy Depth: Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half during the final cooking stage to create a richer, more luxurious consistency. The added dairy transforms the broth into a velvety, indulgent experience.
• Boost Spice Levels: Enhance heat by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce. Experiment with different chili varieties to find your perfect spice balance.
• Create Hearty Additions: Incorporate crispy bacon bits, diced salt pork, or chorizo sausage for an extra layer of smoky, savory flavor. These protein-packed garnishes elevate the chowder's complexity and provide delightful textural contrast.

Serving Manhattan Clam Chowder Properly

• Garnish with Crusty Bread: Slice a rustic sourdough or French baguette to serve alongside the chowder. The bread's crispy exterior and soft interior will soak up the rich, flavorful broth perfectly.
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the seafood's delicate flavors and cut through the chowder's creamy texture.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the chowder's richness and add a refreshing contrast to the warm dish.
• Enhance with Herb Accent: Sprinkle extra fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to boost the aromatic profile and add a bright, fresh finish.

Storing and Reheating This Soup

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover clam chowder in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze with Care: Carefully transfer chowder to freezer-safe containers, leaving some expansion space. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Note that cream-based soups may slightly separate upon thawing.
• Reheat Safely: Warm chowder gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to restore smooth consistency. Add a splash of clam juice or milk if mixture seems too thick.
• Batch Prep Tip: Double the recipe and portion into individual containers for quick weeknight meals. Label containers with date and contents for easy meal tracking.

Hearty Ina Garten Manhattan Clam Chowder Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Manhattan clam chowder from Ina Garten delivers robust coastal flavors with hearty vegetable depth. Professional kitchen techniques ensure rich, satisfying soup that connects home cooks to classic maritime traditions.

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Ingredients

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• 5 cups (1.2 L) clam juice (five 8-oz/240 ml bottles)
• 1–½ cups (360 ml) minced clams, drained (about four 6–½ oz/195 ml cans)
• 1 large waxy-style potato (about ¾ lb/340 g), diced
• 1 large Spanish onion, chopped
• 1 28-oz (794 g) can whole, peeled tomatoes (with liquid), roughly chopped
• 1–½ celery stalks, chopped
• 7 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (60 ml) tomato paste
• 1–½ tbsps (22 ml) olive oil
• 3 sprigs parsley
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp kosher salt or to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch crushed red pepper
• 2 tbsps chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, combine onions, celery, garlic, and red bell peppers, cooking until vegetables soften and become translucent, releasing their aromatic essence.
2. Deepen Flavor: Introduce tomato paste, stirring vigorously to create a rich, caramelized foundation that will anchor the chowder’s depth and complexity.
3. Herb Infusion: Craft a bouquet garni with parsley, thyme, and bay leaf, securing with kitchen twine, then nestle alongside cubed potatoes to impart subtle herbal notes throughout the broth.
4. Liquid Integration: Stream in clam juice, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil before reducing to a gentle simmer, allowing potatoes to tenderize and absorb the oceanic flavors.
5. Final Composition: Gently incorporate diced tomatoes and fresh clams, maintaining a delicate heat to preserve the seafood’s tender texture, and season with a generous dusting of cracked black pepper.
6. Presentation: Ladle the steaming chowder into warm bowls, crown with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately to capture the vibrant, maritime essence of Manhattan-style clam chowder.

Notes

• Boost Flavor Potential: Toast tomato paste briefly to unlock deeper, caramelized notes that elevate the entire chowder’s complexity.
• Herb Bundle Technique: Create a bouquet garni to infuse subtle herbal undertones without leaving herb fragments throughout the chowder.
• Clam Texture Preservation: Introduce fresh clams at the end of cooking to prevent rubbery, overcooked seafood and maintain delicate, tender meat.
• Temperature Control Matters: Simmer gently after adding clams to ensure gentle cooking that protects the seafood’s natural sweet flavor and prevents toughening.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg