What To Know
- The potatoes can be cooked in a variety of ways, but the most common method is to boil them in salted water.
- Add the potatoes, clams, and bacon to the pot and cook until the potatoes are tender.
- The best potato for New England clam chowder is a starchy potato that is firm and has a fluffy texture.
New England clam chowder is a classic dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. The creamy, flavorful broth is complemented perfectly by the tender potatoes, clams, and bacon. But what is the best potato to use for New England clam chowder?
There are many different types of potatoes that can be used for clam chowder, but not all of them are created equal. Some potatoes are more starchy than others, and some have a more waxy texture. The best potato for New England clam chowder is one that is starchy and has a firm texture.
Types of Potatoes
There are three main types of potatoes: starchy, waxy, and all-purpose.
- Starchy potatoes are high in starch and have a fluffy texture. They are the best potatoes to use for baking, mashing, and frying.
- Waxy potatoes are low in starch and have a firm, waxy texture. They are the best potatoes to use for boiling, roasting, and salads.
- All-purpose potatoes are a combination of starchy and waxy potatoes. They can be used for a variety of dishes, but they are not the best choice for New England clam chowder.
Best Potatoes for New England Clam Chowder
The best potatoes for New England clam chowder are starchy potatoes. Starchy potatoes will absorb the flavorful broth and become tender without becoming mushy. Some of the best starchy potatoes for clam chowder include:
- Russet potatoes
- Yukon Gold potatoes
- Idaho potatoes
How to Choose the Best Potatoes
When choosing potatoes for New England clam chowder, look for potatoes that are firm and have no bruises or blemishes. The potatoes should also be relatively uniform in size so that they cook evenly.
How to Prepare the Potatoes
Once you have chosen the best potatoes, you need to prepare them for cooking. The potatoes should be peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes. The potatoes can be cooked in a variety of ways, but the most common method is to boil them in salted water. The potatoes should be cooked until they are tender but still firm.
Other Ingredients
In addition to the potatoes, there are a few other ingredients that are essential for making New England clam chowder. These ingredients include:
- Clams
- Bacon
- Onion
- Celery
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Heavy cream
How to Make New England Clam Chowder
Making New England clam chowder is a relatively simple process. The first step is to cook the bacon in a large pot. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Add the onion and celery to the pot and cook until they are softened. Add the flour to the pot and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until it has thickened. Add the potatoes, clams, and bacon to the pot and cook until the potatoes are tender. Season the chowder with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving New England Clam Chowder
New England clam chowder is typically served hot with oyster crackers. The chowder can also be served with a side of bread or salad.
The Ultimate Verdict
The best potato for New England clam chowder is a starchy potato that is firm and has a fluffy texture. Russet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, and Idaho potatoes are all good choices for clam chowder. When choosing potatoes, look for potatoes that are firm and have no bruises or blemishes. The potatoes should also be relatively uniform in size so that they cook evenly.
Top Questions Asked
What is the best way to cook potatoes for clam chowder?
The best way to cook potatoes for clam chowder is to boil them in salted water. The potatoes should be cooked until they are tender but still firm.
What are some other ingredients that can be added to New England clam chowder?
Some other ingredients that can be added to New England clam chowder include:
- Corn
- Peas
- Carrots
- Mushrooms
- Green peppers
- Red peppers
How can I make New England clam chowder ahead of time?
New England clam chowder can be made ahead of time and reheated when you are ready to serve it. To make the chowder ahead of time, simply cook the chowder according to the recipe and then let it cool completely. Store the chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to serve the chowder, simply reheat it over medium heat until it is warmed through.
