Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsLittle Donna'sClam Chowder Recipe

Clam Chowder Recipe

Inspired by Little Donna's
Time45m
Serves6

New England style clam chowder with fresh clams.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients

Garnishes

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Clean the Clams

    Rinse the fresh clams under cold water, scrubbing the shells to remove any sand or debris.

  2. 2

    Chop Vegetables

    Dice the potatoes, onion, celery, and mince the garlic.

Cooking

  1. 3

    Cook the Clams

    In a large pot, add the cleaned clams and 2 cups of the chicken broth. Cover and cook over medium heat until the clams open, about 5-10 minutes. Once opened, remove the clams, reserving the broth, and set aside.

  2. 4

    Sauté Vegetables

    In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

  3. 5

    Add Potatoes and Broth

    Add the diced potatoes, reserved clam broth, remaining chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

  4. 6

    Combine Ingredients

    Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream and add the reserved clams (chopped if desired). Remove bay leaves and heat through for another 5 minutes.

Serving

  1. 7

    Garnish and Serve

    Ladle the clam chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and bacon bits. Serve hot.

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