November 29, 2023
Food & Drink,
Looking for a recipe that’s warm and hearty to get you through the colder months? This soup season, executive chef Sam Sherman of Milady’s in New York City invites you to bring home a taste of a northeast classic with his take on Manhattan Clam Chowder.
Robust and full of flavor, chef Sherman’s recipe brings a cream-free version of the regional favorite, built upon a foundation of tomatoey wine-spiked broth and brought to new heights with Manila clams. Things heat up even more with bites of corn and jalapeno.
See also: Weekly Recipe: Red Wine Braised Short Rib By Oaken Bistro And Bar
“Manhattan Clam Chowder is constantly compared to New England Clam Chowder, however, despite sharing a similar name and a couple of ingredients, they actually aren’t that similar,” chef Sherman says. “New England style is cream heavy, while the Manhattan version is a wonderful, briny, tomato soup enriched with bacon and, at Milady’s, a zip of jalapeño. It’s perfect for a light but warming winter meal.
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If you can’t make it to the Big Apple to enjoy Milady’s elevated high-dive atmosphere and fantastic cocktail menu, you can bring a bit of its community warmth to your own kitchen with the recipe below.
This recipe yields six to eight servings and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Milady’s Manhattan Clam Chowder
Ingredients:
- ¼ lb bacon, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, dice
- 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 10 sprigs of thyme tied with twine
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup white wine
- 1 qt water
- 1 large peeled russet potato, diced
- 2 ears corn kernels cut off
- 1½ lb Manila clams (about 30), scrubbed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- ¼ cup minced red onion
- ¼ cup minced jalapeno
- Lemon wedges
Directions:
- Gently cook the bacon in a deep pot over a medium-low flame until the fat is rendered and it is a golden brown color.
- Add the onion, celery and garlic, and cook until it is translucent but not browned.
- Add the bay leaf, thyme, tomatoes and wine. Bring to a simmer and cook until the mixture is reduced by ⅓.
- Add the potatoes, corn and water, and cook just until the potatoes are soft. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the clams and cook until they are all opened, and adjust seasoning.
- Serve in bowls with lemons wedges, red onion, and jalapenos for garnish.
Visit Milady’s in NYC and online for more delicious dishes and inspiration.
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