RECIPE: CREAMY NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER

Nothing pairs better with crisp fall days than a bowl of steaming New England clam chowder. Dating back to 1836 at the Union Oyster House in Boston, this famous chowder is pure comfort in a bowl. Join us in The Culinary Center for our new Northeast Feast culinary class on board Riviera this fall to learn this and other favorite New England recipes.

Ingredients | Serves 6

7 pounds clams, preferably cherrystone, soaked and scrubbed
4 cups water
4 ounces bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
2 tablespoons butter
2 thyme sprigs
1 bay leaf
1 yellow onion, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ pounds waxy potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾-inch pieces
2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons dry sherry
Chopped chives, for garnish

Directions
In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, combine the clams and water and bring to a simmer. Cover and steam until the clams open, about 10 minutes.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the clams to a work surface and remove the meat from the open shells, discarding any shells that did not open. Coarsely chop the meat and reserve. Strain the stock through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into a large bowl. Add water if needed to make 6 cups of stock. Reserve.

Rinse and dry the stockpot and place over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crisp, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer onto paper towels to drain.

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the butter, thyme, bay leaf, onion and celery. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 more minutes. Slowly stir in the stock. Add the potatoes and bring to a boil. Decrease the heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.

Add the clam meat and cream and cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Discard the thyme and bay leaf. Stir in the sherry and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve in bowls topped with the bacon and chives.

Sailing on one of our New England & Canada voyages this autumn? Our brand-new collection of New England and Canada Culinary Discovery Tours™ explore the most celebrated traditions and delicious specialties of the region – learn more here.