Texas Clam Chowder

Texas Clam Chowder

Ingredients:

2 red bell peppers (about 3/4 pound)
1 jalapeño pepper
1 (10-ounce) can whole clams, undrained
1 bacon slice
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled baking potato (about 2 pounds)
2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears)
1 cup Chardonnay or other dry white wine
2 (8-ounce) bottles clam juice
3/4 cup half-and-half
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

Preheat broiler. Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves, skin sides up, and jalapeño pepper on a foil-lined baking sheet; flatten bell peppers with hand. Broil 10 minutes or until blackened. Place peppers in a zip-top plastic bag; seal. Let stand 5 minutes. Discard seeds and membranes from jalapeño pepper. Peel and chop bell peppers and jalapeño pepper; set aside. Drain clams in a colander over a bowl, reserving liquid.

Cook bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, reserving drippings in pan. Crumble bacon; set aside. Add chopped onion to pan; sauté 10 minutes. Add flour; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in reserved clam liquid, potato, corn, wine, and clam juice; bring to a boil. Partially cover, reduce heat, and simmer 25 minutes or until potato is tender. Stir in roasted peppers, clams, half-and-half, green onions, basil, and black pepper. Cook 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon.