Welcome to a delicious journey into the world of clam chowder! If you’re a fan of this classic seafood soup, then you’re in for a treat. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring an easy and quick recipe for making clam chowder using the Instant Pot. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with creamy goodness and the flavors of the sea. So, grab your apron and let’s dive right in!
1. Why Instant Pot Clam Chowder?
Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen to make a hearty clam chowder? Well, fret no more! With the Instant Pot, you can have a steaming bowl of clam chowder ready in a fraction of the time. This magical kitchen appliance will transform your cooking experience, allowing you to enjoy a rich and flavorful soup without the hassle.
2. Gather Your Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need:
– 2 cans of chopped clams
– 4 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups of potatoes, diced
– 1 cup of celery, chopped
– 1 cup of carrots, diced
– 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
3. Let’s Begin Cooking
Now that we have everything ready, it’s time to fire up the Instant Pot and start cooking. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they become fragrant and translucent.
Step 3: Toss in the diced potatoes, chopped celery, and carrots. Sauté them for a few minutes until they start to soften.
Step 4: Drain the clams from their cans, reserving the liquid. Add the clam juice to the Instant Pot, along with the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir well.
Step 5: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for 5 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure.
Step 6: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and all-purpose flour until smooth. Pour this mixture into the Instant Pot, stirring well to combine.
Step 7: Add the bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and secure the lid back on the Instant Pot. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 8: Serve your clam chowder piping hot, garnished with the crispy bacon and fresh parsley. Enjoy!
4. Tips and Variations
– For a thicker chowder, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding the cream and flour mixture.
– If you prefer a chunkier chowder, you can add extra diced potatoes, clams, or vegetables.
– Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Thyme, dill, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can add an extra layer of flavor.
– Serve your clam chowder with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a complete meal.
5. Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully made a mouthwatering clam chowder using your Instant Pot. This easy and quick recipe will surely become a favorite in your household. So, the next time you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup, don’t hesitate to whip out your Instant Pot and indulge in this creamy seafood delight. Happy cooking!