Low-Fat Clam Chowder

Serves: 5

Jacklyn McClure

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

45

Spice

48

Sweetness

45

Sourness

42

mins

Prep time (avg)

5.3

Difficulty

Ingredients:

1 medium

Onion (diced)

2 cloves

Garlic (minced)

1 tsp

Paprika

Directions:

1

Put the clams and 2 cups water in a pot

2

Cover, bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook 5 minutes

3

Uncover and continue to cook until the clams open, 5 to 10 minutes (discard any that do not open); transfer the clams to a bowl

4

Pour the liquid into a large measuring cup

5

(You should have 3 cups liquid; add water if needed

6

) Wipe out the pot

7

Pour the liquid back into the pot through a paper towel-lined sieve

8

Add the potatoes, cover and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes

9

Remove one-third of the potatoes

10

Continue to cook the remaining potatoes, covered, until soft, about 10 more minutes

11

Puree in batches in a blender until smooth

12

Return the soup to the pot

13

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes

14

Add the onion and celery and cook until soft, about 5 minutes

15

Add the garlic, thyme and bay leaves and cook, stirring, about 3 more minutes

16

Add the bacon mixture and reserved potatoes to the soup

17

Cover and cook over low heat, about 5 minutes

18

Meanwhile, remove the clams from their shells and roughly chop

19

Stir the clam meat and half-and-half into the soup; remove from the heat, cover and set aside, 20 to 30 minutes

20

Discard the bay leaves

21

Season the soup with salt and pepper and reheat

22

Serve topped with a slice of butter, parsley, chives and paprika

23

Photograph by Andrew Mccaul