Author Notes
Growing up in Rhode Island, we ate a red clear chowder -- Salt Pork, Onion, Clams, Tomato juice. This recipe has just grown over time almost to a Manhattan style or a stew, not technically a chowder. Don't forget to drain off as much of the bacon fat as possible - you'll thank me. —healeri
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Ingredients
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1/4 pound
frozen bacon, chopped fine
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2
large yellow onions, chopped
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6
stalks celery, diced
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28 ounces
can crushed tomatoes
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42 ounces
water (1 1/2 tomato cans)
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10
7 oz cans clams, drained, liquid reserved
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1 tablespoon
salt
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2 teaspoons
dried thyme or 2 Tbsp fresh
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3
bay leafs
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10-12
boiling potatoes, peeled and medium diced
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1
loaf crispy garlic bread
Directions
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In a large covered stockpot (at least 8 qt.), brown the bacon until crisp. Remove all but 2 tsp bacon fat. Remove the bacon bits from the pot and drain them on paper towels.
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Add the onions and celery to the pot and cook them, stirring occasionally, until wilted.
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Add the crushed tomatoes, water, thyme, salt, bay leaf and the juices from the clams. Bring to a boil.
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Add the potatoes. When the pot returns to a boil, reduce the heat to medium low and cook, partially covered, until the potatoes are just fork tender.
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Add the clams and heat them through.
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Take a small piece of garlic bread and put in the bottom of a soup bowl followed by a serving of chowder. Sprinkle bacon bits on top.
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