We prefer to use whole clams that we find in our market in the 10 oz cans. But most markets carry the 6.5 oz minced clams, so the recipe is written for minced clams. If you can find whole clams, then even better! If so, we normally use one 10 oz. can of whole clams. Please refer to recipe post for more recipe photos and details.
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time40 minutesmins
Total Time1 hourhr
Servings: 6servings
Calories: 176kcal
Ingredients
4slicesbacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1mediumonion, diced
3clovesgarlic, minced
2stalkscelery, diced
1largecarrot, diced
2teaspoons(10ml)Old Bay seasoning
2teaspoons(10ml)Worcestershire sauce
1/2teaspoon(2.5ml)dried oregano leaves or thymeor 1 teaspoon of fresh herb
2mediumpotatoes, peeled and diced
1/2cup(120ml)water
1/2cup(120ml)dry white wine, optional (just add more water if leaving out)
8ounces(227ml)bottle of clam juice
13oz.(368g)canned minced clams(two 6.5 oz/84g cans) , drained but save the juices
Heat soup pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the chopped bacon until the fat releases and the bacon becomes crisp, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced celery, and diced carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and garlic becomes fragrant, but not burnt.
Add the 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, diced potatoes, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup white wine, 8 oz. bottled clam juice, juice from the 2 cans of clams (but not the clams yet), diced tomatoes, about 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the chowder to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Simmer chowder on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Now add the clams to the chowder. Carefully mash a few of the potatoes in the pot to create a slightly thicker, chowder consistency to the soup.
Simmer for about 10 more minutes. If needed, skim off any excess oil on top of soup that was released from the bacon.Serve with your favorite bread/crackers or for gluten free, serve with gluten free crackers/bread. Top with optional minced parsley.