Easy & Best Manhattan Clam Chowder Recipe

Manhattan Clam Chowder is a flavorful and hearty soup that is a perfect alternative to the traditional creamy New England-style clam chowder. Unlike its creamy counterpart, Manhattan Clam Chowder features a tomato-based broth, packed with tender clams, vegetables, and a savory blend of seasonings. This comforting dish is light yet satisfying, with the richness of the broth balanced by the bright acidity of tomatoes.

The best part about making Manhattan Clam Chowder at home is the ability to control the ingredients and the depth of flavor. With fresh clams, flavorful vegetables like celery, carrots, and onions, and a touch of smoky bacon, this chowder is a dish that’s perfect for any occasion—from a cozy dinner to a special gathering with friends and family.

A robust, savory tomato-based broth that’s filled with tender clams, fresh vegetables, and smoky bacon. Each spoonful of Manhattan Clam Chowder is a comforting combination of flavors, with a slightly tangy and rich base that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread. It’s a fresh, lighter twist on the classic chowder, perfect for those who prefer a tomato-based soup.

Tools to Use

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Ladle
Knife and cutting board
Can opener
Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 cups clam juice (or vegetable broth)
2 cups water
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups fresh or canned clams, drained and chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

Cook the Bacon
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until crispy and browned. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving a little bit of the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Add the Broth and Tomatoes
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, clam juice, and water. Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Add the Clams and Bacon
- Stir in the chopped clams and cooked bacon. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the clams through and allow the flavors to combine.
Finish and Serve
- Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.
- Ladle the chowder into bowls and serve with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

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Easy & Best Manhattan Clam Chowder Recipe

Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Ladle
Knife and cutting board
Can opener
Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 slices bacon chopped
1 medium onion diced
2 celery stalks diced
2 medium carrots diced
2 garlic cloves minced
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
2 cups clam juice or vegetable broth
2 cups water
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups fresh or canned clams drained and chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for brightness

Instructions

Cook the Bacon
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until crispy and browned. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving a little bit of the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Add the Broth and Tomatoes
Stir in the diced tomatoes, clam juice, and water. Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Add the Clams and Bacon
Stir in the chopped clams and cooked bacon. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the clams through and allow the flavors to combine.
Finish and Serve
Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.
Ladle the chowder into bowls and serve with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Tips for Cooking

Fresh or Canned Clams: You can use fresh clams, but canned clams work just as well and are convenient. If using fresh clams, be sure to steam them open before adding them to the soup, and discard any clams that don’t open.
Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can mash a portion of the vegetables with a potato masher or use an immersion blender to blend a small portion of the soup, then stir it back in.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, bell peppers, or corn to the chowder to suit your taste.
Adjust the Seasoning: Manhattan Clam Chowder has a delicate balance of savory and acidic flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process to ensure the best flavor profile.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Manhattan Clam Chowder is the perfect light yet filling soup for any occasion. It’s flavorful without being overly heavy, thanks to the fresh vegetables and tomato-based broth. Whether you’re craving a cozy bowl of soup on a chilly evening or looking to impress guests with a homemade seafood dish, this recipe offers the ideal balance of flavors. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and uses accessible ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

If you’re looking for a fresh take on classic clam chowder, this easy and delicious Manhattan Clam Chowder is the perfect choice. With its light yet flavorful tomato-based broth, tender clams, and hearty vegetables, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Try making this soup at home, and bring a taste of coastal cuisine to your dinner table!