👨‍🍳 निर्देश

1. 1

   बेकन को कुरकुरा करें: एक बड़े बर्तन या डच ओवन में, मध्यम आंच पर कटे हुए बेकन को कुरकुरा होने तक पकाएं, लगभग 8-10 मिनट। छेद वाली चम्मच से बेकन निकाल लें, बर्तन में लगभग 1 बड़ा चम्मच पकाया हुआ वसा बचाकर रखें। पके हुए बेकन को क्रम्बल करें और गार्निश के लिए अलग रख दें।

   ⏱️ 15 minutes
2. 2

   Render the salt pork: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced salt pork over medium heat until crispy and the fat has rendered, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the crispy salt pork with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. If using bacon, cook until crisp and set aside. If there is excessive fat, you can drain off some, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pot.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
3. 3

   Sauté aromatics and potatoes: Add the chopped onion and celery to the rendered salt pork fat in the pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the cubed potatoes and the reserved clam liquid (about 2 cups total, add water or more clam juice if needed to cover the potatoes). Add the fresh thyme sprigs. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
4. 4

   Cook the potatoes: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If using dried thyme, add it during the last 5 minutes of this step.

   ⏱️ 20 minutes
5. 5

   Thicken and finish the chowder: If a thicker chowder is desired, whisk the 2 tablespoons of flour with a little cold water to form a smooth slurry, then stir it into the simmering potato mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the heavy cream and the cubed butter. Add the chopped clams and the reserved crispy salt pork (or bacon).

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
6. 6

   Heat through gently: Continue to heat the chowder over low heat, stirring constantly, until it is warmed through and the butter has melted. **Do not boil** after adding the cream, as this can cause it to curdle. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the thyme sprigs before serving.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes