Are you a fan of seafood soups? Look no further! Today, we’re diving into the world of creamy clam soup recipes that will leave your taste buds singing. Clams are a versatile ingredient and can be used in a variety of delicious dishes, from traditional chowders to international-inspired flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or adventurous, we’ve got 20 mouth-watering options to try.
From the creamy richness of New England Clam Chowder to the spicy kick of Thai Clam Soup, each recipe is carefully crafted to showcase the tender sweetness of clams. And don’t worry – these soups are easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Stay tuned as we explore the world of creamy clam soup recipes and discover new favorites!
New England Clam Chowder
Classic and comforting, this creamy soup is a staple of New England cuisine. With its rich flavor and tender clams, it’s the perfect dish for a chilly day or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups clam juice (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add clams, flour, cream, clam juice, and thyme. Stir until smooth.
4. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Manhattan Clam Chowder
Classic Manhattan Clam Chowder Recipe
This creamy and flavorful soup is a twist on traditional New England clam chowder, featuring a rich tomato-based broth instead of cream. Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, clam juice, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add clams; cover and cook until they open, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Coconut Clam Soup
This rich and flavorful soup combines succulent clams with the creaminess of coconut milk, perfect for a chilly evening or special occasion. With its subtle sweetness and savory notes, it’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add clams, broth, coconut milk, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low; let soup simmer for 10-12 minutes or until clams are tender.
4. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Spicy Thai Clam Soup
This Spicy Thai Clam Soup recipe combines the brininess of clams with the spicy kick of Thai red curry paste, all wrapped up in a fragrant coconut milk broth. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 can (14 oz) whole baby clams, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 2 teaspoons Thai red curry paste
– 1/4 teaspoon fish sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add clams, chicken broth, coconut milk, curry paste, and fish sauce; stir to combine.
4. Bring to a simmer; cook for 5-7 minutes or until clams are cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with cilantro leaves before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Clam Soup
Warm up with a creamy and flavorful soup that combines the sweetness of clams with the richness of garlic butter. This comforting recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 1 pound fresh clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 4 cups clam juice
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
2. Add onion and cook until softened, 3-4 minutes.
3. Add clams, clam juice, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let soup simmer for 10-12 minutes or until clams are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tomato Basil Clam Soup
A refreshing twist on traditional clam chowder, this Tomato Basil Clam Soup combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the brininess of clams and a hint of basil.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Freshly ground black pepper for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add chopped tomatoes, clam juice, and heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with freshly ground black pepper.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
White Wine Clam Soup
Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with this light and refreshing soup, perfect for a cozy dinner or as an appetizer at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 2 cups clam juice
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add diced tomatoes, white wine, clam juice, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
3. Carefully add clams and stir gently. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until shells open.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Lemongrass Clam Soup
This refreshing soup combines the sweetness of clams with the bright, citrusy flavor of lemongrass, perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 4 cups clam juice
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add lemongrass and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add clams, clam juice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until clams are cooked through.
5. Remove from heat; let soup cool slightly. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Curried Clam Soup
A rich and flavorful soup that combines the brininess of clams with the warmth of Indian spices. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 teaspoons curry powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
– 12-15 clams, scrubbed and rinsed
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in curry powder; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add diced tomatoes, clam juice, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add clams; cover and cook until they open, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Herb-Infused Clam Soup
This clam soup recipe combines the brininess of fresh clams with the brightness of herbs, creating a delicious and refreshing meal. Perfect for a chilly evening or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Rinse the clams under cold water, scrubbing off any grit.
2. In a large pot, combine the clams, water, parsley, dill, garlic, and thyme.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the clams open.
4. Strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Discard the solids.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the olive oil.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Corn and Clam Chowder
Warm up with this classic comfort food recipe that combines the sweetness of corn with the brininess of clams. Perfect for a cozy night in, this chowder is ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chopped fresh corn kernels
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (5 minutes).
2. Add corn kernels, diced tomatoes, clam juice, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low; let cook for 10-12 minutes or until clams open.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley (optional).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoky Bacon Clam Soup
A rich and savory soup that combines the smokiness of bacon with the brininess of clams, perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 6 slices of thick-cut smoked bacon, diced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 12 littleneck clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 4 cups fish stock or clam juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave the grease in the pot.
3. Add the butter, onion, and garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the clams, fish stock or clam juice, and cooked bacon to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat and let cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the clams are tender.
6. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Classic Italian Clam Soup
A hearty and flavorful soup that combines fresh clams with aromatics and pasta, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1/2 cup clam juice
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 ounces small pasta shapes (e.g., elbow macaroni)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, clam juice, clams, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring soup to a simmer and cook, covered, for 10-12 minutes or until clams are tender.
5. Add pasta and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes or until al dente.
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vietnamese Clam Soup with Rice Noodles
This fragrant and flavorful soup is a staple of Vietnamese cuisine, featuring tender clams, crunchy vegetables, and chewy rice noodles. Serve as a light and refreshing meal or as a comforting side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 cup rice noodles
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish
– Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add clams, broth, water, fish sauce, and ginger. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes or until clams open.
3. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Ladle soup into bowls; add cooked noodles. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mediterranean Clam Soup
Experience the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this hearty and comforting clam soup. A perfect blend of briny clams, aromatic spices, and tangy tomatoes will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of Greece.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds fresh or canned clams
– 4 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups fish broth or clam juice
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add clams, tomatoes, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Pour in broth or clam juice; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat; simmer for 15-20 minutes or until clams are tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Chorizo and Clam Soup
This hearty soup combines the rich flavors of chorizo sausage with tender clams, garlic, and potatoes for a satisfying and spicy treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound chorizo sausage, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chorizo and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add clams, potatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Roasted Red Pepper Clam Soup
Roasted Red Pepper Clam Soup Recipe
This vibrant and flavorful soup is perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion. The sweetness of the roasted red peppers pairs beautifully with the brininess of the clams, creating a truly delicious and comforting dish.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 clams (such as cherrystone or littleneck), scrubbed and rinsed
– 2 large red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roast the red bell peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet for 30-40 minutes, or until charred and blistered.
3. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool. Peel off the skin, discarding it, and chop the flesh into small pieces.
4. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until softened.
5. Add the clams, clam juice, roasted red pepper, salt, and pepper to the pot. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the clams are cooked through.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cheesy Clam Chowder
This classic New England-style clam chowder recipe combines tender clams, potatoes, and onions with a rich and creamy broth, all topped off with a generous helping of melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1 large potato, peeled and diced
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add clams, potato, clam juice, milk, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and let chowder simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in grated cheese until melted and well combined.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Asian-Style Clam Soup with Ginger
This comforting and flavorful soup is a staple of Asian cuisine, perfect for a cold winter’s night or a quick weeknight dinner. With the warmth of ginger and the brininess of clams, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 12 ounces clams, scrubbed and rinsed (or 1 can of clam juice)
– 2 cups chicken or fish broth
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add ginger and garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add clams (or clam juice) and broth; bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until clams are cooked through.
5. Stir in water and soy sauce; season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pumpkin and Clam Soup
Warm up with this seasonal soup that combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin and clams. Perfect for a cozy fall evening or a light lunch, this recipe is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 small pumpkin (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) clams, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add pumpkin, clams, chicken broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until pumpkin is tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches, then return to pot.
4. Stir in heavy cream; adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or thyme.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the delicious world of creamy clam soup recipes! This article presents 20 mouth-watering variations to satisfy your taste buds. From classic New England Clam Chowder and Manhattan Clam Chowder, to international twists like Spicy Thai Clam Soup and Vietnamese Clam Soup with Rice Noodles, there’s something for every palate. Discover unique flavor combinations like Creamy Coconut Clam Soup, Garlic Butter Clam Soup, and even Pumpkin and Clam Soup. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for new ideas, these creamy clam soup recipes are sure to delight.
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