“Down East” Clam Chowder
This warming and hearty Maine clam chowder recipe, thickened with crackers, is an old-fashioned Yankee favorite.
Down East Clam Chowder
Photo Credit : Brenda DarrochThe best way to make this Down East Clam Chowder is with clams you have dug yourself after dropping anchor in a secluded bay, but it is awfully good with fresh clams purchased at a local marina. This is authentic Maine chowder — the kind you thicken with crackers, not flour.
Yield:
4 to 6 servingsIngredients
4 dozen hard-shell clams, scrubbed, or 1 quart shucked cooked clams with their broth
1/4 pound cubed salt pork or 6 slices bacon
1 onion, coarsely chopped
6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 cups milk
2 cups half-and-half or evaporated milk
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
salt
freshly ground pepper
Common crackers, oyster crackers, or Saltine crackers
Instructions
Pour clams into a large pot with 1 cup water. Cover, bring to a boil, and cook until shells open, about 10 minutes. Allow to cool, then shuck clams and set aside. Pour off broth and reserve, taking care not to disturb any sediment in the bottom of the pan.
Cook salt pork in a large saucepan over medium heat until the fat runs. Add onion and cook, stirring, until tender. Pour off half the fat.
Add potatoes to the pan and stir well. Add clam broth and just enough water to cover the potatoes. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
Add milk and half-and-half (or evaporated milk); bring to a simmer. Add clams and butter; simmer a few minutes until clams are heated through and butter is melted. (Do not boil or clams will be tough.) Season with salt and pepper and stir in a handful of crushed crackers.
