New England clam chowder isn’t kosher, but a mix of shiitake, cremini and oyster mushrooms makes a rich, creamy chowder with the same comforting feel. Potatoes, celery and onion simmer in vegetable broth and coconut milk, thickened with a little flour and seasoned with thyme.
Layering Mushroom Flavor
Each mushroom adds something different: shiitake for earthiness, cremini for meatiness, oyster mushrooms for a delicate, slightly briny texture. Brown them well before adding the liquid. Soaking a piece of kombu seaweed in the broth for 30 minutes before using it adds a subtle ocean flavor that recalls clam chowder.
Kosher Notes
Clams aren’t kosher, which is why this chowder uses mushrooms. Made with coconut milk, it’s pareve, so it can start any meal. Check that your vegetable broth and kombu carry a reliable hechsher.
Storing
The chowder keeps for 3 days in the fridge and freezes for 3 months. Thin it with broth or coconut milk if it thickens when reheated.

Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add all the mushrooms to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they've released their moisture and started to brown, about 8-10 minutes. The mushrooms should reduce significantly in volume.
- Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook the flour and create a roux. The mixture should smell toasty and look golden.
- Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, about 1/2 cup at a time, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once all broth is incorporated, bring to a simmer.
- Add diced potatoes, bay leaves, and thyme to the pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Stir in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove bay leaves before serving. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
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