Ingredients

  • 3 dozen cherrystone clams, in their shells, scrubbed
  • 3 onions, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces, divided
  • 2 ribs celery, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 2 carrots, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 cups clam juice
  • 2 cups water
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 pound red potatos , cut into 1/4-inch cubes
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Oyster crackers, (Optional)

Directions

  1. Combine the clams, 1 cup of the onion, celery, carrots, thyme, bay leaves, clam juice and water in a large pot. Cover pot; bring to a boil over high heat and cook until the clams open, about 10-12 minutes. Remove clams from their shells and transfer to a bowl; cover and cool. Meanwhile, use a wire mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or paper towel to strain the cooking liquid into a bowl and reserve. Chop cooled clams and reserve.
  2. Wipe out the pot and return to the stove over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to crisp, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 cups of onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the flour and cook 2 minutes. Stir in the reserved broth and the potatoes, increase heat to medium, bring to a simmer, cover and cook until potatoes are cooked through, 8-9 minutes. Stir in the reserved clams and cream, return to a simmer and cook uncovered until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in parsley. Serve with oyster crackers if desired.