Get ready to indulge in a deliciously creamy bowl of goodness! As the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like a warm and comforting pot of clam chowder to hit the spot. And when it comes to Legal Seafood Clam Chowder, you can’t go wrong. This iconic New England dish is a staple for a reason – its rich and creamy texture, paired with the sweet and briny flavor of clams, is a match made in heaven. In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 mouthwatering recipes that put a creative twist on the classic. From traditional New England-style chowders to bold and spicy variations, each recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your seafood cravings. So grab a spoon, get cozy, and let’s dive into the world of creamy Legal Seafood Clam Chowder!
New England Style Legal Seafood Clam Chowder
Experience the authentic taste of New England with this classic clam chowder recipe, inspired by the famous Legal Sea Foods. This creamy and flavorful soup is a staple in the region’s cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups diced clams (fresh or canned)
– 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
2. Pour in clam juice, milk, heavy cream, and bring to a simmer.
3. Add clams, potatoes, and thyme. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Boston Legal Seafood Clam Chowder with Bacon
A hearty and flavorful seafood chowder that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates, just like the courtroom characters from Boston Legal. This recipe combines tender clams, smoky bacon, and creamy potatoes in a rich and satisfying broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cups of clam juice
– 1 cup of whole milk
– 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Add the onion to the pot and cook until translucent. Add the potatoes, clam juice, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Add the cooked clams and crispy bacon back into the pot. Stir gently to combine.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Legal Seafood Clam Chowder with Thyme
This rich and flavorful chowder is a twist on the classic New England-style clam chowder, featuring the addition of thyme for added depth. Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 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 3-4 minutes.
2. Add clams, clam juice, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook until clams are tender, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Legal Seafood Clam Chowder
This comforting recipe combines the flavors of New England with the convenience of a slow cooker, making it perfect for a chilly day or a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup clam juice
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup Legal Seafood seasoning (or similar)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add butter, onion, garlic, flour, milk, clam juice, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Rinse clams with water and add them to the slow cooker.
3. Stir in Legal Seafood seasoning.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. If desired, stir in heavy cream and serve.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Legal Seafood Clam Chowder with Fresh Herbs
This recipe puts a creative spin on the classic New England clam chowder, incorporating fresh herbs and a hint of spice to elevate this comforting dish. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a delicious addition to your seafood-themed dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
– 1 can (14.5 oz) chopped clams
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices of bacon, diced (optional)
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. Stir in parsley, dill, and thyme. Cook for an additional minute.
3. Add clam juice, chopped clams, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let chowder cook for 10-12 minutes or until flavors have melded together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. If desired, add diced bacon and stir in before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Gluten-Free Legal Seafood Clam Chowder
Savor the taste of the ocean with this creamy and delicious gluten-free clam chowder, featuring tender clams, succulent seafood, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup gluten-free clam juice
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups mixed seafood (shrimp, cod, scallops)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add clam juice, heavy cream, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Add clams and mixed seafood. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until seafood is cooked through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Legal Seafood Clam Chowder with Corn and Potatoes
This creamy chowder is a twist on the classic Legal Seafood recipe, adding sweet corn and tender potatoes to the mix. Perfect for a cozy evening or a quick lunch, this hearty soup is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and chopped
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup corn kernels
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 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 clams, flour, milk, chicken broth, corn, and potatoes. Stir until combined.
3. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Spicy Legal Seafood Clam Chowder with Jalapeños
A creamy and spicy twist on the classic clam chowder, this recipe combines the freshness of seafood with the boldness of jalapeños.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (10 oz) clam juice
– 1/2 cup half-and-half
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 jalapeños, sliced
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add diced tomatoes, clam juice, thyme, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer; reduce heat and let cook for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in half-and-half and jalapeños; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
6. Add clams and cook until they open, about 3-5 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Legal Seafood Clam Chowder with Garlic Butter Croutons
This classic New England-style clam chowder recipe is a staple of Legal Seafood, featuring tender clams, potatoes, and onions in a rich and creamy broth. Elevate the dish with crispy garlic butter croutons for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups chopped clams (fresh or canned)
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
– Garlic butter croutons (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add clam juice, milk, heavy cream, clams, potatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Garlic Butter Croutons:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix softened butter with minced garlic.
3. Dip bread cubes in the garlic butter mixture, coating evenly.
4. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes or until crispy.
Vegan Legal Seafood Clam Chowder with Mushrooms
This rich and creamy chowder is a game-changer for vegans, replicating the flavors of traditional clam chowder without using any actual seafood. The addition of meaty mushrooms adds depth and texture to this comforting soup.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup non-dairy milk (such as soy or almond)
– 2 tablespoons vegan butter or margarine
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the mushrooms, garlic, thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and non-dairy milk. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Stir in the vegan butter or margarine until melted.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Legal Seafood Clam Chowder with Smoked Paprika
This creamy clam chowder gets a smoky boost from smoked paprika, adding depth and complexity to this classic recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and chopped
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter 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 clams, clam juice, heavy cream, smoked paprika, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir to combine.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook 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: 20-22 minutes
Legal Seafood Clam Chowder with Leeks and Celery
Savor the rich flavors of the coast with this creamy and comforting Legal Seafood-inspired clam chowder, featuring tender leeks and crunchy celery.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
– 4-6 medium leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced into thin rounds (about 2 cups)
– 2 stalks celery, diced (about 1 cup)
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, leeks, and celery; cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Add clams, flour, and clam juice. Stir until combined. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and let chowder simmer for 5-7 minutes or until clams are cooked through.
4. Stir in milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Legal Seafood Clam Chowder with Crispy Pancetta
This creamy, flavorful chowder is a twist on the classic Legal Seafood recipe, featuring crispy pancetta for added crunch. Perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 6 slices of pancetta, cut into small pieces
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed (1 1/2 cups)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups whole milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook pancetta in olive oil until crispy, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
3. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add clams, flour, milk, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10-12 minutes or until clams are tender.
6. Stir in crispy pancetta and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Legal Seafood Clam Chowder with Sourdough Bread Bowl
Warm up with a bowl of creamy clams and sourdough goodness!
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices sourdough bread
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add clams, clam juice, heavy cream, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes or until clams are tender.
5. Meanwhile, slice sourdough bread into thick rounds. Cut out centers to create bowls.
6. Place bread bowls on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
7. Ladle clam chowder into toasted bread bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Legal Seafood Clam Chowder with White Wine Reduction
Experience the rich flavors of Legal Seafood’s iconic clam chowder, elevated by a tangy white wine reduction. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup white wine (dry)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add clams, flour, clam juice, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until clams are tender.
5. Reduce white wine in a small saucepan over medium heat until almost completely reduced (about 1/4 cup).
6. Stir the wine reduction into the clam chowder and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Legal Seafood Clam Chowder with Old Bay Seasoning
This creamy and flavorful chowder is a twist on the traditional New England favorite, infused with the bold spices of Old Bay seasoning. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a comforting side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 cups chopped potatoes (about 2-3 medium-sized)
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add clams, clam juice, milk, potatoes, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to low and cook for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
5. Stir in chopped parsley (if using). Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Legal Seafood Clam Chowder with Fresh Clams and Cream
Savor the taste of the coast with this creamy and flavorful clam chowder, featuring fresh clams and a hint of richness from heavy cream.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound fresh clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups fish stock or water
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add clams, clam juice, cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Gradually add fish stock or water, whisking continuously. Bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let chowder simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the clams are tender.
5. Stir in flour to thicken the chowder. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Legal Seafood Clam Chowder with Roasted Garlic
This creamy, flavorful chowder is a perfect blend of tender clams, aromatic roasted garlic, and rich broth. Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 4-6 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap garlic in foil and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
2. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add clams, flour, clam juice, and roasted garlic. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until clams open.
4. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a deliciously creamy seafood chowder experience! This article features 18 mouthwatering recipes inspired by Legal Seafood, each with its own unique twist. From classic New England-style to spicy and smoky variations, there’s something for every taste bud. Discover how to add fresh herbs, crispy pancetta, or roasted garlic to take your chowder game to the next level. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a comforting meal, these recipes are sure to please.
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