Makes about 3.5ish gallons
·
1 bunch celery,
chopped
·
1 lbs onions,
chopped
·
5 stalks of leeks
·
1 ½ lb bacon
·
4 lbs Gold Yukon,
diced
·
40oz clam juice
·
1.5 lb clams
·
3 Tbsp fresh thyme
·
1.5 Tbsp dried
oregano
·
3 Tbsp dill
·
1 package seafood
bouillon (about 3oz)
·
2 lbs butter
·
4 cups flour
·
6 cloves garlic
·
½ gallon milk
·
1 gallon Cream
·
2 cups dry sherry
·
2 Tbsp pepper and 2-3 Tbsp salt
·
2-5tbsp of lemon
juice and zest of 3 lemons (add to taste)
·
Salt and pepper
to taste at the end
Directions
Boil potatoes separately. Allow to cool, cut into small cubes and set aside (can be done the night before).
Cook the bacon slowly, in a soup pot over low-medium heat until lightly
crisp, about 8 minutes.
Melt the butter
Add the onion, garlic, and leeks stirring occasionally,
until the onion is translucent, about 8 minutes.
Combine
celery, carrot, thyme, oregano, dill, and bouillon; cook for ~10 mins
Add
Sherry and cook down about 10-15 min
Add flour to make a roux, mix throughly for about 5 mins. Do not allow to burn, stir frequently
Whisk in the clam juice and cook for 5 minutes, stirring
occasionally.
Add
dairy, mix well - simmer for 10mins
Add salt and pepper
Add cooked potatoes
and clams and simmer for 30-40mins
15mins before serving, add lemon juice, zest, and extra salt and pepper to taste
Stir frequently (we never stopped stirring) – never let the chowder boil - remove from heat for a few mins if the chowder is getting too hot at any time.