Recipe for Ivar's Clam Chowder
Introduction
Welcome to this article where we will be sharing the recipe for Ivar's famous clam chowder. If you're a fan of this delicious dish and want to recreate it in the comfort of your own kitchen, you've come to the right place. In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on the ingredients and steps required to make Ivar's clam chowder. So, let's dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients
To make Ivar's clam chowder, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of chopped clams
- 4 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups of clam juice
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by cooking the bacon in a large soup pot over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside for later use.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and celery. Sauté them until they become soft and translucent.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and stir them with the onion and celery mixture.
- Pour in the clam juice and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Gradually whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste, known as a roux.
- Slowly pour in the whole milk while continuously whisking the roux. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
- Add the creamy mixture to the soup pot with the potatoes, onions, and celery. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Finally, add the chopped clams and the reserved crispy bacon to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Allow the chowder to simmer for an additional 10 minutes to ensure all the flavors meld together.
- Serve the clam chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley for added freshness and color.
Enjoy the rich and savory flavors of Ivar's clam chowder right at home! This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its authentic taste. So go ahead and give it a try. Happy cooking!
Ingredients
To make Ivar's famous clam chowder, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups chopped clams
- 2 cups clam juice
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
It is important to use fresh clams for the best flavor. You can purchase them at your local seafood market or harvest them yourself if you have access to a beach or coastal area. The other ingredients can be found at your grocery store.
Make sure to wash and chop the vegetables before starting the recipe. The potatoes should be peeled and diced into small pieces, while the onion and celery should be finely chopped.
The butter and all-purpose flour are used to make a roux, which will thicken the chowder. The half-and-half gives the chowder its rich and creamy texture.
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the clams
To begin making Ivar's famous clam chowder, you first need to prepare the clams. Start by rinsing them thoroughly under cold water to remove any sand or grit. Then, place the clams in a large pot filled with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the pot and let the clams soak for about 20 minutes. This will help them release any remaining sand.
Step 2: Cook the bacon and vegetables
Once the clams are ready, it's time to cook the bacon and vegetables. In a separate large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside to use as a garnish later. Leave the bacon grease in the pot.
Next, add the diced onions, celery, and carrots to the pot with the bacon grease. Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and fragrant. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 3: Make the roux
Now it's time to make the roux, which will give the chowder its creamy texture. Sprinkle flour over the cooked vegetables in the pot and stir well to combine. Cook the mixture for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook off the raw flour taste.
Step 4: Add the liquid ingredients
After making the roux, it's time to add the liquid ingredients to the pot. Slowly pour in the clam juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream, while stirring continuously. This will help prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Step 5: Simmer and season
Once the chowder is simmering, it's important to let it cook for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent the bottom from scorching.
During this time, you can season the chowder with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you prefer. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
And there you have it! The preparation steps for making Ivar's famous clam chowder. With these detailed instructions, you'll be able to recreate this delicious dish at home and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Enjoy!
Serving
Once you have prepared Ivar's famous clam chowder, it's time to serve this delicious dish. The serving options are versatile, allowing you to customize the meal to your liking.
One popular way to serve Ivar's clam chowder is in a bread bowl. Cut off the top of a round loaf of sourdough bread and hollow out the center, leaving a sturdy shell. Ladle the hot chowder into the bread bowl, allowing it to soak into the bread slightly. The combination of the creamy chowder and the crusty bread creates a delightful contrast in textures.
If you prefer a lighter meal, you can serve the clam chowder in bowls or cups. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives. This adds a touch of freshness and brightens the presentation.
For a heartier meal, consider accompanying the clam chowder with some crusty bread or oyster crackers on the side. The bread can be used to dip into the chowder, while the oyster crackers add a satisfying crunch.
To further enhance the flavors of the clam chowder, you can also offer a variety of toppings for your guests to choose from. Some popular options include crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of hot sauce. These toppings add additional layers of flavor and allow each person to customize their chowder to their taste preferences.
When serving Ivar's clam chowder, it's important to keep it warm. Use a soup tureen or a slow cooker set on low heat to ensure that the chowder remains at a deliciously warm temperature throughout the meal.
Remember to provide spoons or soup ladles for easy serving. Encourage your guests to savor each spoonful of this delectable chowder and enjoy the rich flavors.
Conclusion
Start by sautéing onions, celery, and garlic in butter until they turn translucent. Then, add in the clam juice, diced potatoes, and seasonings like thyme, bay leaves, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Next, make a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour to create a thick paste. Gradually add the roux to the chowder, stirring constantly until it thickens. This step gives the chowder its creamy consistency.
Finally, add the clams and milk to the chowder and let it simmer for a few more minutes until the clams are cooked through. Serve the chowder hot, garnished with chopped parsley and accompanied by oyster crackers or crusty bread.
The result is a rich and flavorful clam chowder that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, Ivar's Clam Chowder is a must-try recipe.
So why wait? Gather the ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of Ivar's famous clam chowder right in the comfort of your own home. Bon appétit!
