Recipe: Daily Grill’s Manhattan clam chowder

Dear SOS: My husband thought the Manhattan red clam chowder at the Daily Grill in San Francisco (at the Handlery Hotel) was absolutely the best he’s eaten since he left Rhode Island. Would you be able to get the recipe? Thanks.

Elsie (and Wally) Chmiel, Torrance

Dear Elsie (and Wally): Sometimes there’s nothing better than a big bowl of good, hot soup. The Daily Grill’s Manhattan clam chowder is vibrant from the tomatoes, with just enough spice to warm you. It’s got plenty of plump little clams and is easy to make too.

Manhattan clam chowder

Total time: 1 1/2 hours

Servings: 10

Note: From the Daily Grill. The restaurant suggests using Louisiana-style pepper sauce.

3 tablespoons anchovy oil, or minced anchovy fillets with olive oil

2 tablespoons minced shallots

2 cups diced onions ( 1/2 -inch dice)

2 cups diced leeks, white parts only ( 1/2 -inch dice)

1 teaspoon thyme leaves

2 bay leaves

3 cups chopped clams

2 teaspoons black pepper

1 teaspoon celery salt

11 1/2 cups clam juice

1 cup tomato paste

4 cups chopped plum tomatoes (1-inch dice)

1 pound waxy potatoes, cut in 1/2 -inch dice

Kosher salt

Pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)

1. In a large heavy-bottom stock pot, add the oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the shallots, onions, leeks, thyme and bay leaves and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the onions are softened.

2. Increase the heat to high and add the clams. Then reduce the heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the black pepper, celery salt, clam juice, tomato paste and tomatoes. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook an additional 15 minutes.

4. Add the diced potatoes and simmer 10 minutes, or until tender. Season to taste with kosher salt and hot sauce. Serve immediately.

Each serving: 186 calories; 13 grams protein; 23 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams fiber; 5 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 31 mg. cholesterol; 769 mg. sodium.