Easy Ina Garten Manhattan Clam Chowder Recipe – Cozy Comfort

Manhattan clam chowder brings vibrant coastal flavors right to your kitchen table.

This hearty soup captures the essence of maritime cuisine with its robust tomato-based broth.

Rich with tender clams and colorful vegetables, the recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Seafood lovers appreciate how quickly this chowder comes together without complicated techniques.

Bright red tomatoes give the dish its signature Manhattan-style character, differentiating it from cream-based versions.

Each spoonful promises a delightful balance of oceanic freshness and comforting warmth.

Home cooks adore its versatility and straightforward preparation method: grab your ingredients and let the magic begin!

What Makes Ina Garten’s Manhattan Clam Chowder So Appealing

• Savor Hearty Seafood Comfort: This Manhattan clam chowder delivers a rich, warming experience packed with tender clams and soft vegetables, perfect for chasing away chilly day blues.
• Quick and Effortless Cooking: Whipped up in just 40 minutes, this recipe offers busy home cooks a simple yet delicious meal that requires minimal prep and basic cooking skills, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Loaded with protein-rich clams, fresh vegetables, and a tomato-based broth, this chowder provides a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and health-conscious, delivering incredible flavor without excessive calories.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: The recipe’s adaptable nature means you can easily adjust spice levels or swap ingredients, making it a fantastic option for family gatherings, casual dinners, or a cozy meal when you want something deliciously uncomplicated.

Key Components for Ina Garten Manhattan Clam Chowder

• Clams: Fresh, briny seafood that gives the chowder its signature ocean flavor. Choose fresh, clean-smelling clams from a reputable seafood market.
• Clam Juice: Rich seafood liquid that deepens the broth’s maritime taste. Helps build complex flavor foundation.
• Onion, Celery: Classic soup base vegetables that provide savory, aromatic background. Fresh, firm produce works best.
• Garlic: Pungent aromatics that enhance overall depth of flavor. Choose firm, tight bulbs without sprouts.
• Red Pepper: Adds subtle heat and vibrant color to the chowder. Fresh, crisp peppers give best results.
• Potatoes: Hearty ingredient that adds thickness and substance to the soup. Waxy varieties hold shape well.
• Parsley, Thyme, Bay Leaf: Herb blend that creates nuanced, traditional seasoning profile. Fresh herbs preferred for brighter flavor.
• Tomatoes: Provides tangy, acidic element that brightens the chowder. Ripe, quality canned tomatoes work perfectly.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that enriches overall taste. Helps build deeper color and complexity.
• Olive Oil: Neutral cooking fat for sautéing vegetables. Use good quality extra virgin olive oil.
• Black Pepper: Finishing spice for personal heat adjustment. Freshly ground offers best flavor.

Simple Directions for Ina Garten Manhattan Clam Chowder

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

• Diced onions
• Chopped celery
• Minced garlic
• Diced red pepper

Cook with a lid, stirring occasionally, until vegetables become tender and fragrant, about 8 minutes.

Step 2: Incorporate Tomato Flavor

Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional 1 minute to deepen the flavor profile.

Step 3: Create Herb Bundle

Tie parsley, thyme, and bay leaf together with kitchen twine. Add herb bundle and diced potatoes to the pot.

Step 4: Develop Liquid Base

Pour in clam juice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until potatoes are soft and tender, approximately 10 minutes.

Step 5: Add Seafood and Final Ingredients

• Chopped tomatoes
• Fresh clams

Cover and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot chowder into serving bowls. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Pro Tips for Ina Garten Manhattan Clam Chowder

• Select Seafood Sensibly: Fresh clams can transform the chowder’s taste, but high-quality canned clams offer convenience without sacrificing flavor.
• Master Low-and-Slow Technique: Gentle simmering preserves potato tenderness and protects delicate clam texture from becoming rubbery.
• Control Spice Complexity: Personalize heat levels by carefully adjusting red pepper quantities to match individual taste preferences.
• Maximize Herb Potential: Gently crush herbs before tying to release deeper, more intense aromatic compounds into the chowder.
• Precision Chopping Matters: Sharp knife skills ensure uniform vegetable cuts, guaranteeing consistent cooking and balanced flavor distribution.

Preserving Ina Garten Manhattan Clam Chowder

• Refrigeration Method: Transfer chowder to an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, to preserve its fresh flavors and maintain optimal temperature control.
• Portion Control Method: Divide remaining chowder into smaller individual serving containers before storing. Smaller portions cool faster, reduce contamination risks, and make reheating more convenient for quick meals.
• Reheating Method: Gently warm chowder in a saucepan over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent bottom scorching. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup appears too thick, helping restore its original creamy consistency without compromising taste or texture.

Flavor Variations on Ina Garten Manhattan Clam Chowder

• Seafood Symphony: Transform the classic chowder by adding a mix of fresh seafood like shrimp, scallops, and crab meat alongside the clams for a rich, oceanic flavor profile.
• Spicy Coastal Kick: Enhance the heat by incorporating chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. Sprinkle some chorizo chunks for an extra smoky and spicy dimension to the chowder.
• Herb Garden Fusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, basil, or tarragon to replace the traditional parsley and thyme. Garnish with microgreens or chives for a bright, aromatic finish.
• Vegetarian Vessel: Replace clams with hearty mushrooms like oyster or shiitake. Add extra root vegetables such as parsnips or turnips to create a substantial, vegetable-forward version of the chowder.

Concluding Reflection on Ina Garten Manhattan Clam Chowder

Manhattan Clam Chowder emerges as more than just a recipe – it’s culinary storytelling from Ina Garten’s kitchen.

Coastal New England flavors dance through each spoonful, connecting people with oceanic traditions.

Salt-kissed clams and tender vegetables create a harmony rarely found in simple soups.

Rich tomato broth weaves complex layers of comfort and excitement into classic chowder expectations.

Garten’s approach transforms humble ingredients into a memorable dining experience that celebrates maritime heritage.

Passionate cooks and seafood enthusiasts will adore this recipe – so snap a photo, share your kitchen adventure on social media, spark conversation with fellow food enthusiasts, and invite friends to explore this delightful coastal classic.

Ina Garten Manhattan Clam Chowder Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Manhattan clam chowder delivers a robust New England seafood classic with zesty tomato-based broth and hearty ingredients. Rich coastal flavors combine tender clams, potatoes, and aromatic vegetables that you’ll savor down to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 5 cups clam juice (five 8-ounce bottles of clam juice)
• 1–½ cups minced clams, drained (about four 6–½ ounce cans)
• One 28-ounce can of whole, peeled tomatoes (with liquid), roughly chopped
• 1 large waxy-style potato (about ¾ pound), diced

Aromatic Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 large Spanish onion, chopped
• 1–½ celery stalks, chopped
• 7 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 sprigs parsley
• 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt or to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch crushed red pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1–½ tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium temperature, sautéing diced onions, chopped celery, minced garlic, and finely sliced red bell peppers until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 6-7 minutes.
2. Incorporate tomato paste, stirring constantly to prevent burning and develop a rich, concentrated flavor for about 45-60 seconds.
3. Create a classic bouquet garni by tying fresh parsley sprigs, whole thyme stems, and bay leaf together with kitchen twine, then gently nestle the herb bundle alongside cubed potatoes in the pot.
4. Pour in fresh clam juice, bringing the liquid to a robust boil before reducing heat to a gentle simmer, covering the pot, and allowing potatoes to become fork-tender, approximately 8-9 minutes.
5. Carefully fold in diced tomatoes and fresh chopped clams, maintaining a low simmer to preserve the delicate seafood texture, and season generously with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
6. Ladle the aromatic seafood stew into warm serving bowls, garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley for a bright, herbaceous finish, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Select freshest clams possible to guarantee authentic, rich seafood flavor profile.
• Tomato base distinguishes this Manhattan-style chowder from creamy New England variations.
• Uniform vegetable chopping ensures consistent texture and even cooking throughout soup.
• Herb bundling technique simplifies removal and prevents accidentally eating whole sprigs.
• Red pepper introduces subtle warmth and nuanced complexity to classic seafood recipe.
• Immediate serving maximizes clam tenderness and optimal broth temperature for best dining experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg