Revamped Clam Chowder With Sausage And Fennel Recipes

CLAM AND SAUSAGE CHOWDER

Steps:

• Scrub, scrub, scrub and wash fresh clams in shells; set aside--throw out any that are opened.
• In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned; transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain; set aside.
• Add the olive oil to the pot; saute the onion and garlic over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until soft and tender.
• Add potatoes, corn, clam juice, water, fennel seed, and cayenne.
• Bring to a boil; cover, lower heat and simmer 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
• Add in tomatoes; stir to combine.
• Remove 2 cups potato mixture and transfer to the container of an electric blender.
• Process until smooth and return mixture to the pot.
• Bring to a boil; add clams; cover, lower heat and simmer 4-5 minutes or until clam shells open (Throw out any that do not open).
• Add in sausage and parsley; stir and cook until heated; season with salt/pepper if needed.
• Serve.

NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER WITH SHRIMP

Steps:

• Rinse and drain canned clams, reserve liquid and set aside.
• In a large stockpot, cook bacon until crisp, do not drain.
• Add diced onion and celery, saute until soft, stirring frequently.
• Once onion/celery are soft, add pepper, marjoram and thyme.
• Add bottles clam juice and clam juice reserved from canned clams.
• Add diced red potatoes and simmer 10-15 min until potatoes are soft.
• While potatoes are simmering --
• In a small saucepan, make a light roux with butter and flour.
• Once potatoes are soft, add roux to chowder and stir until thickened.
• Add cooked shrimp and drained clams and stir to mix.
• At this point, the chowder base may be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for later use.
• To serve: add 1 qt light cream and up to 1 qt whole milk to desired consistency, while heating be careful not to boil.
• Right before serving, stir in sherry and fresh chopped parsley.
• Serve topped with paprika and oyster/soup crackers.