Dairy Free Clam Chowder Recipe

This clam chowder recipe is based on my Southern grandma's recipe. I made a few tweaks to make it gluten-free and even dairy-free, if you like! Bacon wasn't originally part of her recipe, but I think she'd approve. I also included instructions for stove top, Instant Pot & slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 1 10-12 oz package of uncured bacon
- 1 1/2 cup small diced onion
- 1 1/2 cup small diced celery
- 2 pounds white potatoes, cut into 1/2-1 in pieces
- 2 6.5-oz cans chopped or minced claims, undrained
- 16 ounces clam juice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 sprig fresh thyme or 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 1/4 cups of heavy cream (see note)
- 1/3 cup tapioca flour
Instructions
- 1
Cut the bacon into 1/2-inch strips and cook...: Cut the bacon into 1/2-inch strips and cook them in a big soup pot over medium-high heat, stirring often, until they're as crisp as you like. Reduce the heat if the bacon begins to scorch or smoke.
- 2
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to...: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined bowl to drain. Leave the bacon drippings in the pot.
- 3
Bring the pot with the bacon drippings back...: Bring the pot with the bacon drippings back up to medium-high heat and add the onions and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the onion looks translucent, stirring and scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 4
Add the potatoes, clams, clam juice, broth, salt,...: Add the potatoes, clams, clam juice, broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer on medium low for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- 5
Meanwhile, in a large glass measuring cup, whisk...: Meanwhile, in a large glass measuring cup, whisk the tapioca flour into the heavy cream.
- 6
Remove the chowder from the heat and wait...: Remove the chowder from the heat and wait until it stops bubbling. Slowly pour in the cream mixture while stirring. The chowder should thicken up pretty quickly. If it doesn't, put it back over the heat for a few minutes until it starts to bubble. Stir often because it scorches easily.
- 7
Taste, and add a little salt if you...: Taste, and add a little salt if you think it needs it.
- 8
Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with some crispy...: Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with some crispy bacon to serve.
Cook it from the original
This recipe comes from perrysplate.com. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.
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