
Waco Clam Chowder
A hilarious and surprisingly delicious take on clam chowder from landlocked Waco, Texas. This vintage, hearty soup relies on pantry-staple clams beefed up with plenty of smoky bacon, sweet corn, and a touch of Texas heat from green chilies.
Ingredients
- •4 slices thick-cut bacon(chopped)
- •1 stick unsalted butter((113g))
- •1 medium yellow onion(diced)
- •1 can canned diced green chilies((4 oz), undrained)
- •1/4 cup all-purpose flour((30g))
- •2 cans canned minced clams((6.5 oz each), juices separated from clams)
- •2 cups russet potatoes(peeled and diced)
- •2 cups whole milk
- •1 cup frozen sweet corn(thawed)
- •to taste salt and black pepper
Instructions
~40 min- 1
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped thick-cut bacon over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
5-7 minutes
- 2
Leave the bacon grease in the pot. Add the unsalted butter, diced yellow onion, and canned diced green chilies. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent.
5 minutes
- 3
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetable and bacon mixture. Stir continuously and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
1 minute
- 4
Gradually whisk in the reserved clam juice from the canned minced clams and the whole milk. Add the diced russet potatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
15-20 minutes
- 5
Stir in the reserved minced clams, thawed frozen sweet corn, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to heat everything through and let the flavors meld.
5 minutes
- 6
Remove from heat and let the chowder rest for 5 minutes before serving to thicken slightly.
5 minutes