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Copycat Noah's Ark Famous Clam Chowder

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  • #72591

The secret to copying Noah's Ark's famous clam chowder is using two kinds of soup mixed with clams, sauteed onions, and a lot of rich half-and-half.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  1-2 hrs
Rating: 5/5

4 reviews

ingredients

1/2 cup butter
1 small onion, chopped
1 can (8 ounce size) clams, drained
2 cans (10.75 ounce size) New England clam chowder
3 cans (10.75 ounce size) cream of potato soup
1 quart half and half

directions

Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes or until they begin to soften.

Add the clams, clam chowder, cream of potato soup, and the half and half. Mix well.

Bring the soup to a very low simmer and let cook for one hour. Serve the clam chowder hot with crackers, if desired.

You can also let it simmer in a crock pot on low for 2 hours.

recipe tips


Sweat the onions in the butter until translucent for a sweeter, mellower flavor in the chowder.

Add a splash of white wine or sherry for a boost of flavor.

Experiment with different herbs and seasonings, such as thyme or parsley.

Garnish the chowder with a drizzle of truffle oil or a dollop of sour cream for a luxurious touch.

common recipe questions


Can I use fresh clams instead of canned?

Yes, fresh clams can be used instead of canned clams for a fresher taste. Be sure to clean and cook the clams before adding them to the chowder.

Can I use light cream instead of half-and-half?

You can use light cream as a substitution for half-and-half, but the chowder may be slightly less rich and creamy.

What type of crackers can I serve with the clam chowder?

You can serve oyster crackers, saltine crackers, or even homemade croutons with the chowder.

How should I store leftovers?

Leftover clam chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.

Can I freeze the clam chowder?

Yes, clam chowder can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Reheat it gently so it doesn't separate.

What else can I add to the chowder?

You can add cooked bacon, chopped celery, diced carrots, or even chopped potatoes.

How can I make the chowder thicker?

To thicken the chowder, you can mix cornstarch with cold water and add it to the simmering chowder.

tools needed


Large Saucepan: For sauteing the onions and combining the remaining ingredients.

Can Opener (if needed): For opening the cans of clams, New England clam chowder, and cream of potato soup.

Wooden Spoon or Ladle: For stirring the ingredients together in the saucepan.

Knife: To chop the onion into small pieces before adding it to the saucepan.

Cutting Board: For chopping the onion.

Crock Pot (optional): An alternative method for simmering the chowder, allowing for longer cooking times at low heat if desired.

what goes with it?


Crackers: Serve these to add a crunch that contrasts with the creamy, rich chowder. They help to balance the texture and absorb some of the soup. Oyster crackers are traditional but saltines are another good choice.

Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavors of garlic bread are a natural match. The bread can be dipped in the chowder.

Bacon Bits: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for added texture and a smoky flavor.

Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of parsley can brighten up the dish visually and add a fresh note that cuts through the richness.

Lemon Wedges: Serving lemon on the side allows guests to squeeze a bit of acidity into the chowder, which can bring out the seafood flavors and balance the creaminess.

Cornbread: Serve alongside for a slightly sweet, dense texture that complements the creamy nature of the chowder. The sweetness of the cornbread can balance the savory flavors.

Fresh Oysters: Offer on the half shell as an appetizer.


nutrition data

402 calories, 29 grams fat, 22 grams carbohydrates, 14 grams protein per serving.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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reviews & comments

  1. Judy REVIEW:

    I lived in St Charles, Mo. Loved their clam chowder. This is the only recipe I use. Have found that Campbell's soup works the best

  2. Ronnie REVIEW:

    You can also add 1 diced baking potato to this soup. Just make it even better and thicker.

  3. Tallahassee Lassie REVIEW:

    Crazy that a restaurant would use canned clam chowder as a base for this recipe but I will say this soup is very very good.

  4. Sandy REVIEW:

    I used to go to Noah's Ark Restaurant in St. Charles and I have searched for this recipe since somehow losing mine (although I had it memorized, turned out, I wrote it down before searching from memory). Anyway, YOURS IS THE REAL ONE. I have encountered many that are just not quite right, including some with cream of celery, but yours is the "official" version. Thank you!

Please note:
This is a copy cat recipe submitted to CDKitchen by a third-party. This recipe is not an original recipe unless specifically stated and is considered only to be an acceptable "clone" to the original for the home cook to attempt to duplicate. Please also note that many nationwide restaurant chains vary their menus and ingredients by region so the version provided may not be similar to what you may have tried before. All trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners.

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