Clam and Potato Chowder
(from Cookin'Cat’s recipe box)
Source: Cooking Pleasures (December 2003-January 2004)
Serves 2 peopleCategories: Soup
Ingredients
- 2 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 rib celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped fennel, fronds removed and reserved for garnish
- 8 ounces red potatoes, diced (1/2-inch)
- 12 ounces chopped fresh clams or canned clams, drained, juice reserved
- 2/3 cup white wine
- 2/3 cup whipping cream
- 2/3 cup clam juice
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
Directions
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In medium saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat 3 minutes or until crisp, stirring frequently. Place on paper towels to drain.
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Add onion, celery, and chopped fennel to saucepan containing bacon drippings. Cook over medium heat 4 minutes or just until softened, stirring frequently. Add potatoes; cook and stir 1 minute. Add juice from clams (about ½ cup) and half of the cooked bacon; reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 8 to 10 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
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Add wine. Increase heat to medium; bring to a boil. Add cream, 2/3 cup clam juice, tarragon, salt and pepper; bring just to a simmer. Simmer 8 minutes. Add clams; heat 30 to 60 seconds or until clams are hot. Ladle soup into 2 large deep bowls. Sprinkle with remaining half of the bacon; garnish with fennel fronds.