Classic Clam Soup

Cozy up with a bowl of Classic Clam Soup, a timeless recipe that’s brimming with the comforting flavors of the sea. Made with fresh clams, a medley of aromatic vegetables, and a splash of rich heavy cream, this soup strikes the perfect balance between hearty and indulgent. The base is a deeply flavorful clam broth, simmered with diced potatoes, celery, and carrots, and seasoned with thyme and bay leaf for a fragrant finish. Each spoonful is packed with tender chopped clams, creamy texture, and a sprinkling of fresh parsley for brightness. Ready in just 45 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or as a rustic starter for a seafood feast. Serve it piping hot with crusty bread or crackers for a meal that feels like a warm ocean breeze in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh clams
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 2 diced celery stalks
• 1 large, diced carrot
• 1 medium, diced potato
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon, dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons, chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the clams under cold water to remove any sand or debris.

Step 2

In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the clams and cover the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the clams have opened. Discard any clams that do not open.

Step 3

Once cooked, remove the clams from the pot, reserving the clam broth. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth to remove any sand. Set aside.

Step 4

Remove the clams from their shells and chop them finely. Set aside.

Step 5

In the same pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Step 6

Add the diced potato to the pot. Stir in the strained clam broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.

Step 7

Stir in the chopped clams and the heavy cream. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the mixture is heated through.

Step 8

Remove and discard the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Step 10

Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2979.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2834.1

Total Fat 142.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 67.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 918.1mg	0%
Sodium 3803.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 112.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.1g	0%
Total Sugars 18.4g
Protein 240.5g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 1202.3mg	0%
Iron 258.0mg	0%
Potassium 7927.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.6%

Protein: 35.6%

Carbs: 16.7%