Slow Cooker Manhattan Clam Chowder is a homemade soup that is super easy to prepare. It will take just a few minutes to chop your veggies and the slow cooker does the rest!
Have you enjoyed Manhattan Clam Chowder in restaurants? This recipe blows them away with hearty flavors from the veggies and clams!
Manhattan Clam Chowder is naturally gluten-free, low-fat, low-calorie, paleo, and vegetarian-friendly (leave out the bacon).
I make Manhattan Clam Chowder all the time!
Living on Long Island I have had the pleasure of many a great bowl of clam chowder.
I am quite proud of this chowder because it is not only easy to prepare but absolutely delicious and I may say the family says it is contest worthy!
Trust me, make this easy slow cooker Manhattan Clam Chowder and you will never want any store made or canned soup again!
We are in a really cold spell in New York and soup is on my family's mind every day. We enjoy Manhattan Clam Chowder a few times a month. Actually, we eat this all year. Does anyone else enjoy hot soups in the summer as we do?
Gazpacho is a favorite of ours in the summer but we do enjoy a good chowder all year long!
My favorite is this Manhattan Clam Chowder. I love that it is so easy to prepare but I am very proud of the flavors of this soup. Surprisingly, I use canned clams because they are so easy to work with.
I have made clam chowder using fresh clams and to be honest, this chowder is just as tasty and delicious. Without the need to strain out the clam broth a few times. This clam chowder is easy peasy.
What is the difference between Manhattan Clam Chowder and New England Clam Chowder?
Manhattan clam chowder is a tomato-based chowder. New England clam chowder is a creamy base, usually heavy cream or milk is the base.
Where are the origins of Manhattan Clam Chowder?
Guess what? Manhattan Clam Chowder did not originate in Manhattan. It seems the chowder originated in Rhode Island from Portuguese immigrants. I found this out a few years ago. Food origins can be very fascinating.
Can Manhattan Clam Chowder be frozen?
Absolutely. This Manhattan Clam Chowder Recipe freezes well because there is no dairy. Freeze in either freezer-safe tins, freezer bags, or use a Food Saver, my favorite option.
Is Manhattan Clam Chowder Keto?
Authentic clam chowder includes diced potatoes which are not Keto. If you want to make this a Keto Manhattan Clam Chowder simply keep out the potatoes and I would add turnip and radish. Also, add extra carrots.
Can the bacon be left out of this recipe?
Absolutely. If you do not eat bacon or don't want to include bacon, leave it out of the recipe.
How long can Slow Cooker Manhattan Clam Chowder keep after it is made?
This soup, like most, tends to get more flavorful overnight. I love to make this a day ahead. The soup keeps in the fridge for 2-3 days. Otherwise, freeze the soup for a future day.
Can this soup be made on the stovetop?
Sure, I will include the instructions in the recipe.
Some other soup recipes you may enjoy:
- Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup: This is one hearty Vegan soup that the hubs doesn't even realize is vegan.
- Low-fat Potato Leek Soup: Been making this soup since I was about 12, a personal favorite. Another vegan favorite but the hubs and kids top with sour cream.
- Carrot Coconut Soup: Who knew, we love Vegan soups. My friends, this soup is delicious!
Today is National Soup Swap Day and the lovely Katie who runs Katies Recipe Box is hosting this fantastic day! Below my recipe is all of the recipes for today! I hope you check out all the recipes, they are full of comfort and tasty!
Tools used to make Slow Cooker Manhattan Clam Chowder:
8-Quart Crock-Pot: I recently purchased this slow cooker. I love it. The heat is perfect and the food cooks perfectly.
Mesh Strainer: This comes in a set of 3 and I use them all the time. Highly recommend and these are always a great bridal shower gift!
How to Make Manhattan Clam Chowder ( Slow Cooker):
- In a skillet, over medium heat cook 4 slices of bacon.
- Remove bacon, set aside. Then discard all but 2 Tablespoons bacon grease.
- Add to the skillet the onions to slightly brown. Add in garlic for another minute.
- Pour in the white wine and scrape up any brown bits at the bottom of the pan. Let cook another minute.
- Into the slow cooker, add in the white wine and onion mix, potatoes, peppers, celery, and carrots.
- Stir in clam juice, tomato paste, clam juice, and the diced tomatoes and its juices.
- Cover and slow cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8. (slow cookers vary on the heat. I have noted my slow cooker in the "shop for this recipe" and it cooks fast. For me 3 hours/high and 6 hours/low are perfect times)
- After the allotted time, the veggies should be soft. Then add in the clams and recover and cook another 5 minutes.
- Add in the bacon and fresh parsley, if using.
- Serve and enjoy.
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📖 Recipe
Easy Slow Cooker Manhattan Clam Chowder
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Ingredients
- 4 slices center cut bacon Note 1
- 1 Tablespoon Bacon Grease Note 2
- 1 large onion, peeled and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 cup white wine
- 5 large carrots, peeled and diced ¼ inch slices
- 4 stalks celery, chopped ¼ inch slices
- 4 large red potatoes, peeled and diced Note 3
- 28 ounce can of whole tomatoes Note 4
- 16 ounces clam juice
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 large orange pepper, seeded and chopped Note 5
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- 24 ounces minced clams Note 6
- salt and pepper, to taste
- fresh parsley, chopped optional garnish
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Instructions
Slow Cooker Manhattan Clam Chowder Instructions
Cooking the bacon
- In a saute pan over medium heat, add the 4 slices of bacon. Cook until browned on both sides about 5 minutes. Remove bacon, cut into small pieces and set aside. Remove all but 1 Tablespoon of the bacon grease. Reserve a few Tablespoons of bacon grease in case you need it to saute veggies.
- Add the diced onions to the pan and saute about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and stir another minute. Add the white wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits on the bottom of the saute pan. (See Note 7)
- Add into the slow cooker the onion mixture, carrots, celery, potatoes, whole tomatoes, clam juice, tomato paste, diced orange pepper, bay leaf, basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover with lid. Set timer for 3-4 hours on high or low 6-8 hours. Add in the clams. Cover and cook 5 minutes on high. Shut off the slow cooker and add in the bacon pieces. Sprinkle with parsley for garnish. Taste, if needed, adjust seasoning.
Stovetop Manhattan Clam Chowder
- In a large Soup Pot or Dutch oven, over medium heat, add the bacon. Cook until cooked through, remove bacon. Cut bacon into small pieces, set aside. Remove all but 1 Tablespoon of the bacon grease. Reserve a few Tablespoons of bacon grease in case you need it to saute veggies.
- Add the diced onions to the pan and saute about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and stir another minute. Add the white wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits on the bottom of the saute pan.
- Stir in all the ingredients from step 3. Let simmer on low for about 30-40 minutes. Veggies should be soft. Add in the clams and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes. Add in bacon and parsley. Taste, if needed, adjust seasoning.
