Everyday Dorie: Clam Chowder My Way

November 11, 2022 at 4:45 pm | Posted in cook the book fridays, everyday dorie, groups, savory things, soups | 4 Comments
Tags: everyday dorie, savory, soup

Clam Chowder My Way is chowder with a Thai twist. While “My Way” is really Dorie’s way, I, too, like the flavors of coconut milk, lemongrass, ginger, and lime leaf, so I was definitely game to switch-up the standard New England-style chowda. This version still has potatoes, onions, celery and pancetta (or turkey bacon if you’re really doing it my way), so we are keeping some of the familiar in there, too.

I made this back in March, when I belonged to an oyster CSA so I could host at-home oyster happy hours with friends. I added the “seafood supplement” to my order, and clams would show up in the rotation every few weeks. I made several different simple steamed clam preparations with them, but figured I’d give this soup a go one week. I regard bottled clam juice with some suspicion, although maybe it’s amazing, I don’t know. Since I had fresh clams, which needed pre-cooking to open up their shells, I was able to use the steaming juices in place of the bottled stuff. Using coconut milk instead of heavy cream makes this lighter than a traditional chowder and lets the Thai aromatics shine. I garnished my soup with cilantro and celery leaves, some sliced jalapeño, a squeeze of lime and a dash of fish sauce. I wish I’d saved a few small clams in the shell to put on top, but I always think of better ways to style a photo while I’m actually eating the food! Will I ever learn?

For the recipe, see Everyday Dorie by Dorie Greenspan, and head over to Cook the Book Fridays to see how the group liked this one.

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We loved this too! I used the bottle clam juice…seemed fine🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️ I am thinking my husband would like your idea for next time…and add some extra jalapeños on top! I think he added hot sauce 😂..his go-to with clam chowder!

Comment by isthisakeeper— November 27, 2022 #

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This chowder looks stunning with the celery leaves and jalapeño on top. I couldn’t wait to make this again when I get some clams

Comment by Shirley @ EverOpenSauce— November 29, 2022 #

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This sounds like you had the perfect soup. I think this photo looks perfect.

Comment by Diane Zwang— November 30, 2022 #

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- thanks!!
  
  Comment by steph (whisk/spoon)— December 13, 2022 #
  
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