NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER (RAZOR CLAMS)

New England Clam Chowder (Razor Clams) image

Provided by Donna Liner

Categories Seafood

Time 2h15m

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 qt water
1/3 > c clam base
18 c cube potatoes (1 inch ) soaked for 1 hour in heavy salted ice water
8-16 oz bacon, crumbled
3 c onions diced
1 1/2 c celery diced leaves and all
1 tsp thyme, dried
1 1/2 tsp white pepper
1 c butter
1 c flour
1/3 c carrot, fine shredded
3 c heavy cream
2 lb razor clams or a much as you like !

Steps:

1. Peel and cube potatoes and soak in heavy salted water for an hour. ( 1 cup salt to a gallon. ) This is a trick my Dad showed me. Soaking potatoes in salt water helps them keep their shape and not break down during cooking.
2. Saute you onions and celery in a little bit of butter or bacon grease.
3. Make your clam broth. Make sure that your broth is cold before adding the potatoes. You can use clam juice if you like but I find that way to expensive. You can find clam base at a Cash and Carry restaurant supply store. Or on line. A 16 oz. jar will make 5 gallons of broth and runs about 7 dollars and keeps forever in the fridge.
4. Add potatoes, celery, onions, thyme, white pepper, and bacon to cold broth. Bring to a boil, Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. If using canned add juice from the can now.
5. Make your rue. Melt the 1 cup butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour making sure the is no lumps. Turn down to med- low and stir for 5 minutes or until very lightly browned. Let cool slightly.
6. Add your shredded carrot to the pot. Remove 2 cups of stock and mix with cream and gradually mix in with your rue. Bring to a boil and cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
7. Gradually stir into potato mixture.
8. Add your clams. If using canned add juice from can. Cook for 5-10 minutes or until heated through and clams are done. Salt and pepper to taste.