Ina Garten Manhattan Clam Chowder Recipe

Ina Garten’s Manhattan Clam Chowder is a must-try for any seafood lover!

Warm up your kitchen with celery, onions, and carrots sautéing in a pot, filling the air with an unbeatable aroma.

You’ll love the addition of bacon for that smoky depth!

The key to this recipe is fresh clams; they truly make a difference.

Don’t worry if it’s your first time; the process is straightforward and rewarding.

Serve this hearty chowder with a slice of crusty bread, and you’re in for a treat.

How to Make Ina Garten Manhattan Clam Chowder Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 Onions (chopped)
• 4 stalks Celery (chopped)
• 2 Red Bell Peppers (chopped)
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 cans Tomatoes (32 oz., crushed)
• 4 cups Clam Juice
• 2 cups Chicken Broth
• 2 cups Water
• 4 Potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 3 tsp Thyme (dried)
• 3 Bay Leaves
• 2 lbs. Clams (fresh)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black Pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.

Add the chopped onions, celery, and red bell peppers.

Cook for about 8 minutes until they are soft.

Step 2:

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well.

Step 3:

Add clam juice, chicken broth, and water to the pot.

Stir in the diced potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves.

Step 4:

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Cover the pot and cook for about 30 minutes.

Step 5:

Add the fresh clams to the pot.

Cook until the clams open, about 10 minutes.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Remove bay leaves before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Fresh Clams

Always use fresh clams for the best flavor.

You can also substitute with canned clams if fresh clams are not available.

Dice Potatoes Evenly

Cut potatoes into consistent, small pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

Monitor the Clams

Check the clams frequently as they cook to ensure they open without overcooking.

This helps keep them tender.

Season Gradually

Add salt little by little and taste as you go.

This prevents the chowder from becoming too salty.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove to maintain the texture of the potatoes and clams.

What to Serve with Ina Garten Manhattan Clam Chowder

Cornbread

Cornbread is a fantastic side dish to pair with Manhattan clam chowder! The slightly sweet and hearty texture complements the tangy chowder perfectly.

Adding a dollop of honey butter takes it up a notch, creating a delightful mix of savory and sweet flavors.

Fresh Green Salad

A fresh green salad can make a light and refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors of the chowder.

Opt for a mix of leafy greens with a simple vinaigrette to keep things crisp and clean.

Garlic Bread

Who doesn’t love garlic bread? The warm, buttery, and garlicky slices go wonderfully with a bowl of clam chowder.

Just a few minutes in the oven, and you’ve got a deliciously crispy side ready to serve.

Grilled Asparagus

For something a little different, try serving grilled asparagus alongside the chowder.

The slightly charred flavor brings a nice contrast to the clam chowder and adds a bit of sophistication to your meal.

Tomato Bruschetta

Here’s a tasty twist: tomato bruschetta! The bright, acidic flavors of tomatoes, basil, and olive oil provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the chowder.

Plus, it’s super simple to make and always a hit.

Caramelized Onion Tart

How about a caramelized onion tart for a unique side dish? The sweet caramelized onions with a crispy tart crust can be an unexpected, yet delightful, complement to the chowder.

This dish adds a gourmet twist to your meal without too much extra effort.

Cheddar Biscuits

Cheddar biscuits bring a cheesy, savory delight to your meal. Soft, flaky, and loaded with cheddar, these biscuits are perfect for dipping into the chowder.

They add comfort and warmth, making your meal feel extra special.

Variations and Substitutions

You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon or smoked tofu for a lighter option.

Try using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes to add a touch of natural sweetness to your chowder.

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a vegetarian-friendly version.

Swap out fresh clams with canned clams if you’re short on time.

Different Herb Options

Experiment with using basil or oregano instead of thyme for a different flavor profile.

Instead of the traditional bay leaf, you can use a pinch of tarragon for a slightly sweet, anise-like kick.

Adding Extra Veggies

Add corn or bell peppers for additional color and flavor.

You can also include zucchini or peas as they blend well with the other ingredients.

Making it Spicy

Add some heat by including a diced jalapeno or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

A dash of hot sauce can also bring an extra kick to your Manhattan Clam Chowder.

How to Store Leftover Ina Garten Manhattan Clam Chowder

Cool the Chowder

First off, you want to let the chowder cool down completely before storing it.

Transferring hot chowder directly to the freezer or fridge can increase the temperature inside your appliance, which isn’t good.

Make sure it sits out on the counter until it’s no longer steaming.

Choose the Right Containers

Use airtight containers for storing your leftover chowder.

If you have freezer-safe containers, those work best.

Portion out the chowder into individual servings.

This makes reheating easier and helps preserve the flavor.

Label and Store

Label your containers with the date you made the chowder.

This helps you keep track of how long it’s been stored.

Place the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to eat the chowder within the next 3-4 days.

If not, put them in the freezer where they can last for up to 3 months.

Prevent Freezer Burn

To avoid freezer burn, consider wrapping the containers in an extra layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

This adds an extra level of protection against air getting in.

You’ll thank yourself when you bite into a perfectly preserved bowl later on!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Vegetables

Don’t let your onions, celery, and garlic cook for too long.

They should be soft, but not mushy!

Check on them regularly and stir to maintain the perfect texture.

Skipping the Tomato Paste

Tomato paste adds a rich depth to your chowder.

Forgetting it will result in a bland broth.

A quick stir for a minute is all it takes to integrate its flavors.

Using Low-Quality Clams

Always opt for fresh, high-quality clams.

Lower quality clams can ruin the entire dish.

Investing in good clams makes all the difference.