This slow cooker clam chowder, made with tomatoes instead of milk, is a manhattan-style version. The bacon and extra clam juice make this chowder flavorful, and the slow cooker makes it easy. Using canned clams and canned tomatoes, you can make this chowder any time of the year with ingredients from your pantry. It is simple to put it together in the morning and have ready for dinner. If you were to quickly put together manhattan-style clam chowder, you would want it to sit for a while for the flavors to blend. Using the slow cooker allows that to happen while it cooks. Even if you are a native new englander, you will enjoy this tomato-based chowder. Both preparations are delicious. This one is especially nice if you are trying to avoid dairy. If you prefer the creamier new england-style clam chowder, try this slow cooker clam chowder or this stove top version.
