Easy Clam Chowder

This recipe for Easy Clam Chowder makes a warm and tasty soup that is great for cold days. Creamy and hearty, it's full of tender potatoes and tasty clams.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups potatoes, diced
• 2 cups clam juice
• 2 cups water
• 2 cans 6
• 5 ounces each minced clams, drained, liquid reserved
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

In a large pot, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy

Remove bacon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot

Add chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic to the pot

Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes

Stir in diced potatoes, clam juice, water, reserved clam liquid, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper

Bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes

In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream and flour until smooth

Stir the mixture into the chowder and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until thickened

Stir in drained minced clams and cooked bacon

Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning if necessary

Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley