The Clammiest Chowder: How To Make Rhode Island-Style Dairy-Free Clam Chowder

The Clammiest Chowder: How to Make Rhode Island-Style Dairy-Free Clam Chowder

When it comes to chowder, Rhode Island has its own unique twist on this classic dish. Unlike the creamy New England-style clam chowder, Rhode Island clam chowder is dairy-free and lets the flavors of the clams shine through. If you’re craving a warm and satisfying bowl of clam chowder but prefer to skip the dairy, then this recipe is for you!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds fresh clams
• 4 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Start by cleaning the clams. Scrub the shells under running water to remove any dirt or sand. Discard any clams with cracked shells or that do not close when tapped.
2. In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot, leaving the rendered fat.
3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
4. Next, add the diced tomatoes with their juices to the pot. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes.
5. Add the vegetable broth, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. While the soup is simmering, steam the clams in a separate pot. Place the cleaned clams in a steamer basket or a colander set over a pot of boiling water. Cover and steam for 5-10 minutes, or until the clams open up.
7. Once the clams have opened, remove them from the shells and roughly chop the meat.
8. Add the chopped clams to the simmering soup. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat the clams through.
9. Finally, it’s time to serve your delicious Rhode Island-style clam chowder. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon and fresh parsley.

This dairy-free clam chowder is a perfect choice for those with lactose intolerance or anyone who enjoys a lighter version of this classic dish. The combination of the briny clams, smoky bacon, and aromatic vegetables creates a flavor-packed broth that will warm you up on a chilly evening. So why not give this Rhode Island-style chowder a try and enjoy the true essence of clam flavor without the dairy!