Red Lobster Clam Chowder

This is by far my favorite ever recipe for clam chowder. I always replace my salad with a cup of this. I was shocked that nobody had posted it.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Yields: 4-8 depending on serving bowl or cup

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons butter
• 1  cup  diced onion
• 1⁄2 cup  diced celery
• 1⁄2 cup  diced leek
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  chopped garlic
• 2  tablespoons flour
• 1  quart milk
• 1  cup  minced clams with juice
• 1  cup  diced potato
• 1  tablespoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1  teaspoon dried thyme
• 1⁄2 cup heavy cream

Directions

1. In a soup pot, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add onion, celery, leeks and garlic and saute for 3 minutes mixing often.
3. Remove from the heat and add the flour, mixing well.
4. Add milk and whisk vigorously.
5. Drain clams and add juice to soup.
6. Slowly bring to a boil, stirring often.
7. Reduce heat to a simmer and add potatoes and seasonings; simmer 10 minutes.
8. Add clams and simmer 5-8 minutes.
9. Finish with heavy cream.