Hearty Meat & Vegetable Clam Chowder

Hearty Meat & Vegetable Clam Chowder

(A fusion of classic New England Clam Chowder with added smoked sausage and root vegetables for extra depth.)

Ingredients

• Meats:

  • 1 lb fresh clams (chopped)
  • 4 oz smoked sausage (sliced)
  • 4 oz bacon (chopped)
  • 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken (optional for extra protein)

• Vegetables:

  • 1 large onion (diced)
  • 2 stalks celery (chopped)
  • 3 medium potatoes (cubed)
  • 1 large carrot (chopped)
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• Broth & Dairy:

  • 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tbsp butter

• Seasonings:

  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt & pepper to taste

• Thickener:

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. Cook the Meats:

   • In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
   • In the same pot, cook smoked sausage for 2 minutes until slightly browned. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • Add butter to the pot. Sauté onion, celery, carrots, and garlic until fragrant.
   • Sprinkle in the flour, stirring to coat the veggies.

3. Simmer the Broth:

   • Pour in broth, then add potatoes, bay leaf, thyme, and smoked paprika.
   • Simmer for 10 minutes until potatoes are tender.

4. Add Clams & Dairy:

   • Stir in clams, corn, bacon, and sausage.
   • Pour in milk and heavy cream, stirring gently.

5. Final Touches:

   • Simmer for 5 minutes on low (do not boil).
   • Remove bay leaf, season with salt & pepper.

6. Serve Hot!

   • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

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Why This Version is Special?

✅ More meats (sausage, bacon, chicken) for extra smokiness & depth
✅ Extra vegetables (carrots, corn) for sweetness & texture
✅ Balanced thickness (flour base + creamy dairy)

Would you like a variation with seafood or a spicier version? 😊