Manhattan Clam Chowder, that “other” soup with clams, highlights the chewy, salty bits from the sea with tangy tomato base and smokiness from crispy bacon.
Ingredients
2 slices thick cut bacon (cut into 1/4-inch pieces)
1 1/2 cups yellow onion (chopped)
1/2 cup red bell pepper (chopped)
2 stalks celery (chopped)
6 cloves garlic (minced)
pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup white wine
5 (8-ounce) bottles clam juice
1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1 bay leaf
2 large Russet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, including juices (roughly chopped)
6 (6.5-ounce) cans minced clams (drained)
Method
1
Fry the bacon (2 slices) in a large pot over low heat until the fat renders and the bacon crisps, 5-7 minutes. Add the onion (1 1/2 cups), red pepper (1/2 cup), celery (2 stalks), garlic (6 cloves), and red pepper flakes and cook over low until the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste (1/4 cup) and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the white wine (1/2 cup), maintain the heat, and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon to loosen up the brown bits.
2
Add the clam juice (5 bottles), Italian seasoning (1 1/2 teaspoons), bay leaf (1), and potatoes (2 large) and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, and simmer, covered until the potatoes are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Add tomatoes with their juices (1 can) and the drained clams (6 cans). Cover and simmer on low until clams are heated through. Ladle into a serving bowl and sprinkle with parsley.