Quahog Chowdah Recipes

RHODE ISLAND QUAHOG CHOWDA

Steps:

• Scrub quahaugs to clean well.
• Place into a large kettle with the 6 cups water, cover and cook over medium until shells open (approximately 5 minutes).
• Remove quahaugs from water and throw out quahaugs any that haven't opened up.
• Remove the meat from the opened shells and chop into fine pieces.
• Discard shells, but save all of the cooking liquid.
• In a large pot, render the salt pork until brown.
• Add the onions and saute a few minutes.
• Measure reserved cooking water and add additional water to make a full 8 cups liquid.
• Pour this liquid into the pot with the salt pork and onions.
• Add potatoes, salt and pepper.
• Simmer until the potatoes are very tender (aapproximately 5-10 minutes).
• Add the chopped quahaug meat and bring to a slow boil for 2-3 minutes.
• If you like, you may set a small pitcher of milk or cream on the table for guests to add a splash to individual portions, for those who prefer it that way.

QUAHOG CHOWDER

Steps:

• Mince the clams.
• Place bacon or salt pork in the bottom of a large kettle and fry for five minutes.
• Add onion and cook until golden.
• Cover potatoes in boiling water; parboil for five minutes.
• Drain and reserve water.
• Place a layer of potatoes and a layer of minced clams in the kettle with onion; sprinkle with flour and salt/pepper.
• Add remaining potatoes, dredge remaining flour and salt/pepper.
• Cover with 3 cups of boiling water (including the potato water) and simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are soft.
• Add milk and bring up to boiling point.
• Blend butter or bacon fat with the tablespoon of flour; add clam juice and stir until thickened.
• Add slowly to chowder just before serving.
• Serve hot with crackers.

NANA'S QUAHOG CHOWDER

Steps:

• Put enough oil to cover bottom of large pan over medium heat. Add celery and onion; cook for 10 minutes stirring often. Add potatoes and continue to stir so it will not stick to pan. Add 1 quart of water and tomato sauce. Add another 1 quart and 1/2 cup of water. Add seasoning, continue to cook another 1/2 hour or until potatoes are cooked. Add quahogs with the juice. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

RHODE ISLAND QUAHOG CHOWDER

Steps:

• In large stock pot, cover potatoes with water by 2 inches. Add salt and pepper, and bring to boil then reduce to a simmer.
• In large skillet, heat the salt pork. Add the onion and saute. When onions are translucent, add to the simmering potatoes.
• Add quahogs, quahog juice, and thyme to the potatoes. Simmer for 30 minutes or until potatoes are cooked through.