Name: Low-Fat Clam Chowder
Prep time: P0Y0M0DT0H45M0.000S
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT1H0M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT1H45M0.000S
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 pounds cherrystone clams, scrubbed; 2 large red-skinned potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 1 slice lean center-cut bacon, chopped; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme; 2 bay leaves; 1 cup fat-free half-and-half; Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper; 4 teaspoons unsalted butter, sliced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives; 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Directions

Put the clams and 2 cups water in a pot. Cover, bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook 5 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook until the clams open, 5 to 10 minutes (discard any that do not open); transfer the clams to a bowl.
Pour the liquid into a large measuring cup. (You should have 3 cups liquid; add water if needed.) Wipe out the pot. Pour the liquid back into the pot through a paper towel-lined sieve. Add the potatoes, cover and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Remove one-third of the potatoes. Continue to cook the remaining potatoes, covered, until soft, about 10 more minutes. Puree in batches in a blender until smooth. Return the soup to the pot.
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and celery and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme and bay leaves and cook, stirring, about 3 more minutes. Add the bacon mixture and reserved potatoes to the soup. Cover and cook over low heat, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, remove the clams from their shells and roughly chop. Stir the clam meat and half-and-half into the soup; remove from the heat, cover and set aside, 20 to 30 minutes.
Discard the bay leaves. Season the soup with salt and pepper and reheat. Serve topped with a slice of butter, parsley, chives and paprika.

Photograph by Andrew Mccaul

When blending hot liquid, first let it cool for five minutes or so, then transfer it to a blender, filling only halfway. Put the lid on, leaving one corner open. Cover the lid with a kitchen towel to catch splatters, and pulse until smooth.

Courtesy of Food Network Magazine

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Low-Fat Clam Chowder

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