Ina Garten’s Hearty Manhattan Clam Chowder Recipe You’ll Love

Manhattan clam chowder brings robust ocean flavors right to your kitchen table with a zesty twist that transforms ordinary soup into something extraordinary.

Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a vibrant culinary experience that tingles taste buds and warms hungry souls.

Rich maritime traditions merge seamlessly with fresh vegetable nuances, promising a comforting meal packed with depth and character.

Bright red tomato base distinguishes this chowder from its cream-based counterparts, offering a lighter yet intensely satisfying profile.

Coastal influences shine through each carefully selected ingredient, telling a story of maritime cuisine and seasonal bounty.

Seafood lovers appreciate how simple techniques can elevate humble components into a spectacular dish that feels simultaneously rustic and refined.

Culinary adventurers recognize this recipe as more than just a meal – it’s a narrative of taste, tradition, and pure deliciousness: dive in!

Why Manhattan Clam Chowder Is a Coastal Classic

• Flavor-Packed Coastal Comfort: Manhattan clam chowder delivers a zesty tomato-based broth that bursts with ocean-fresh seafood and smoky bacon notes, creating a more vibrant alternative to traditional cream-based chowders.
• Texture Adventure in Every Spoonful: The recipe combines crispy bacon bits, tender potatoes, succulent clams, and hearty vegetables, offering a delightful contrast of soft and crunchy elements that keep each bite interesting and satisfying.
• Quick and Straightforward Cooking Method: This one-pot wonder comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want restaurant-quality flavor without complex cooking techniques or extensive kitchen skills.

All the Ingredients for a Briny Broth

• Bacon: Provides rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the chowder.
• Onions, Carrots, Celery: Classic mirepoix base for depth of flavor and aromatic foundation.
• Garlic: Adds sharp, pungent notes to enhance overall taste profile.

• Clam Juice: Intensifies seafood essence and provides natural maritime flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a hearty liquid base with additional savory undertones.
• Bay Leaf, Thyme: Subtle herbs that contribute earthy and complex flavor notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Baby Clams: Primary protein source, adding authentic seafood character to the chowder.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that provides thickness and substantial texture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds bright acidity and vibrant color to the dish.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and provides deep, rich undertone.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish and light, clean finish to the chowder.

How to Make Tomato-Based Clam Chowder

Step 1: Crisp Up Bacon

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Toss in chopped bacon and cook until golden and crispy. Transfer bacon to paper towels, leaving delicious grease behind.

• Bacon

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Season with salt and pepper. Cook until vegetables soften and become translucent, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Bloom Garlic Flavor

Sprinkle minced garlic into the pot. Stir quickly for 30 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 4: Intensify Tomato Base

Introduce tomato paste. Stir and let it caramelize for 2 minutes, developing deep, rich flavors.

Step 5: Build Liquid Foundation

• Diced potatoes
• Bay leaf
• Thyme
• Clam juice
• Chicken broth

Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Tenderize Potatoes

Allow potatoes to cook until fork-tender, approximately 10-15 minutes.

Step 7: Add Seafood and Tomatoes

• Undrained diced tomatoes
• Drained baby clams

Return to a soft simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 8: Final Flavor Fusion

• Cooked bacon
• Chopped parsley

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle hot chowder into bowls. Garnish with extra parsley. Serve with oyster crackers and crispy bacon bits on the side.

Tips to Keep Clams Tender and Flavorful

• Crisp Bacon Perfection: Achieve maximum crunch by cooking bacon until golden brown and slightly crisp, which adds incredible texture and smoky depth to your chowder.
• Gentle Simmering Magic: Allow the chowder to simmer gently after adding potatoes, letting flavors meld together and develop a rich, harmonious taste without breaking down vegetable texture.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley just before serving to brighten the dish with a pop of color and fresh, herbal notes that complement the seafood.
• Clam Liquid Gold: Save and strain the clam liquor carefully when opening clams, as this natural liquid provides an intense, authentic seafood flavor that elevates the entire chowder.
• Temperature Tip: Serve the chowder immediately while piping hot to ensure the best consistency and preserve the vibrant flavors of the clams and vegetables.

Storage Tips for Seafood Soups

• Freezer Preservation: Seal in heavy-duty freezer bags or airtight containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Divide into individual portion sizes for convenient thawing and minimal waste. Label each container with the date and contents to track freshness and storage time.
• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer chowder to glass or ceramic containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain flavor integrity. Keep at the back of the refrigerator where temperature remains most consistent. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Reheating Strategy: Thaw frozen chowder slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of clam juice or water if the soup appears too thick during reheating.

Chowder Variants to Shake Things Up

• Seafood Medley Chowder: Replace baby clams with a mix of fresh shrimp, crab meat, and mussels for a rich ocean-inspired variation.
• Vegetarian Tomato Chowder: Swap clams and bacon with roasted vegetable medley, adding white beans for extra protein and hearty texture.
• Spicy Cajun Clam Chowder: Incorporate Cajun seasoning, diced bell peppers, and andouille sausage to create a bold, zesty flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Coastal Chowder: Enhance the base with fresh dill, tarragon, and a splash of white wine for a more sophisticated maritime taste.

Manhattan Clam Chowder Recap

Savory Manhattan clam chowder whispers coastal comfort with each spoonful.

Ina Garten’s recipe transforms simple ingredients into a maritime masterpiece.

Bacon’s smoky essence dances through tender clams and garden vegetables.

Homemade chowder delivers warmth beyond standard restaurant offerings.

Seafood enthusiasts will discover pure coastal magic in this classic New England dish.

Click share, spread culinary joy, and invite friends to savor this extraordinary recipe that connects ocean and kitchen with delicious simplicity.

Ina Garten Manhattan Clam Chowder Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Manhattan Clam Chowder brings New York’s coastal charm to your table with a tomato-kissed broth brimming with fresh clams and hearty vegetables. Simmered with herbs and spices, this classic soup delivers a robust flavor profile that connects coastal traditions and culinary comfort you’ll savor with each spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 10 ounces (283 grams) whole baby clams, drained

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
• ½ cup (80 grams) diced onion
• 2 carrots, peeled, quartered, and sliced
• ½ cup (60 grams) sliced celery
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• ¼ cup (60 grams) tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 16 ounces (473 milliliters) clam juice
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) chicken broth
• 28 ounces (794 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, plus more for garnish

Optional Serving Suggestions:

• Oyster crackers
• Additional cooked bacon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Render the bacon in a spacious stockpot over medium heat until crisp and golden. Transfer the crispy pieces onto paper towels, reserving the rendered fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the aromatic mirepoix (onions, carrots, and celery) in the bacon drippings, seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook until the vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 6 to 7 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic and toast for 30 to 45 seconds, releasing its robust aromatics without burning.
4. Incorporate tomato paste and caramelize for 1 to 2 minutes, deepening the underlying flavor profile of the chowder.
5. Add diced potatoes, bay leaf, fresh thyme, clam juice (8 fluid ounces / 236 milliliters), and chicken broth (32 fluid ounces / 946 milliliters). Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Allow potatoes to tenderize for 12 to 14 minutes, ensuring they’re soft but not disintegrating.
7. Fold in undrained diced tomatoes and drained baby clams. Return to a simmer and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
8. Gently integrate the previously crisped bacon and freshly chopped parsley, allowing flavors to meld for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
9. Ladle the chowder into warm bowls, garnishing with extra parsley, crumbled bacon, and serving alongside oyster crackers for a complete maritime-inspired meal.

Notes

• Crisp bacon adds a delightful texture that transforms the chowder from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Slow simmering allows potato chunks to absorb the rich, creamy broth, creating a more flavorful dish.
• Garnishing with fresh parsley brings a bright, herbal note that cuts through the chowder’s richness.
• Reserve some crispy bacon bits for topping to give each spoonful a satisfying crunch.
• Stirring occasionally during cooking prevents potatoes from sticking and ensures even heat distribution.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg