Paleo Girl's Kitchen: New Year Creamy Clam Chowder

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

New Year Creamy Clam Chowder

Happy New Year! At the top of most people's lists of resolutions is to LOSE WEIGHT! At the gym suddenly there are no parking spaces, exercise fanatics are around every corner, and people you haven't seen in 11 months are suddenly regulars. The funny thing about most of these resolutions is that they fade away. Tainted with excuses, obligations, busy schedules, and temptations, it is hard to make the major changes that many aspire to at this time of year.
While many think sweating it out is the key to success, food plays a major part in reaching these goals. While exercise can tone and tighten, we must rely on food to reach our goals. With the holidays behind us, and the cookies and candy just a part of the months past, let's all focus on what we put in our bodies for the new year. Make health a priority. Strive to lengthen our lives through nourishing ourselves.

So, what is your new years resolution??

Here is a delicious soup recipe to keep you on track. This makes the perfect satisfying lunch. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Creamy Clam Chowder

Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 10-12

Ingredients:
1 head of cauliflower
1 large or 2 small sweet potatoes
1 lb bacon
4 cloves of garlic
1 white onion
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
½ cup chopped carrot
½ cup chopped celery
1 can of coconut milk
1 ½ cans chicken broth
3 tablespoons ghee
2 cans of clams
1 bunch of green onions
sea salt and pepper to taste

1. Boil the sweet potato and cauliflower florets for 20 minutes or until tender. While those cook, mince the garlic and chop up the carrots, white onion, and celery.

2. Once the cauliflower and potatoes are tender, drain them. Set aside the potatoes and return the cauliflower to the pot along with the carrots, garlic, white onion, bay leaves, thyme, ghee, coconut milk, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

3. While the soup is cooking, cube the potato into small pieces. Fry the bacon and chop it. Slice the green onions.

4. Use an emulsifier or add the soup stock to a blender and blend until completely smooth. For a thicker chowder, add ¼ of the sweet potato while blending. Return the mixture to the pot on the stove at medium heat. Stir in the undrained clams and sweet potatoes. Serve immediately and garnish with chopped bacon and green onions.

Tips and Tricks

If you like a fishier-tasting clam chowder, replace a ½ cup of the chicken broth with clam juice. Blend the soup base very well to make sure you get a nice creamy texture!