The rich aroma of creamy clam chowder wafts through the air, promising a warm hug in a bowl. Imagine sinking your spoon into velvety broth, brimming with tender clams and hearty potatoes that dance together in perfect harmony. Now, let’s be honest, when it comes to comfort food, nothing beats this Instant Pot Clam Chowder. It’s like wearing your favorite sweater on a chilly day—cozy, familiar, and just makes everything feel right. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Shrimp Hawaiian Style recipe.
Ah, but wait! This isn’t just any clam chowder; it’s made with the magical powers of the Instant Pot. Picture this: you’re hosting friends for dinner or simply want a special treat after a long day at work. In less than an hour, you’ll have this delightful dish ready to serve, ensuring everyone leaves happy—and maybe even asking for your secret recipe (don’t worry; I won’t tell).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Instant Pot Clam Chowder is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Its rich, savory flavor will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
- The creamy texture and colorful ingredients make it visually appealing in any bowl.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite seafood or veggies!
Ingredients for Instant Pot Clam Chowder
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Clams: Look for small to medium-sized clams like Littlenecks or Manila; they offer the best flavor and texture.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes work beautifully for their creaminess and hold up well during cooking.
- Bacon: A little crispy bacon adds depth and smokiness that elevates the chowder from good to unforgettable.
- Onion: Sweet onions bring a subtle sweetness; aim for a medium-sized one to balance the flavors.
- Celery: Chopped celery adds crunch and freshness; it’s also a classic ingredient in chowder.
- Heavy Cream: For that luscious texture that makes every spoonful feel indulgent—don’t skimp on it!
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of your chowder.
- Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme infuses lovely herbal notes into the chowder; it’s essential for that comforting flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Instant Pot Clam Chowder
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by rinsing the fresh clams under cold water until clean. Scrub off any grit or sand, as nobody wants a sandy surprise in their chowder!
Step 2: Cook Bacon
Turn on your Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove it from the pot but keep all that glorious bacon fat—it’s liquid gold for flavor!
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables roasted root vegetable medley.
In the same pot with bacon fat, add chopped onion and celery. Sauté until softened—about five minutes should do it—then toss in diced potatoes.
Step 4: Add Broth & Seasonings
Pour in chicken broth while stirring in thyme and season with salt and pepper. Place those cleaned clams on top without stirring them into the mix just yet!
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Seal your Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure for five minutes. Don’t worry; those clams will steam beautifully and open up while cooking.
Step 6: Finish Up
Once cooked, carefully release pressure manually (watch out for steam!). Stir in heavy cream along with cooked bacon bits until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Transfer to bowls and serve hot with crusty bread for dipping! Enjoy each creamy bite as you reminisce about cozy nights spent enjoying this classic New England dish.
With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be whipping up delectable Instant Pot Clam Chowder like a pro! So grab those ingredients and let’s get cooking! fluffy coconut rice.
You Must Know
- This Instant Pot clam chowder is not just about tantalizing flavors; it’s about making life easier.
- You can adapt the ingredients based on what’s in your pantry, and its creamy texture makes it a showstopper at any dinner table.
- Ideal for cozy nights or gatherings!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant. Next, add potatoes, clams, and broth before sealing the pot. Let it cook on high pressure for quick results while you prepare your favorite crusty bread for dipping.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out clams for shrimp or even veggies if you’re feeling adventurous. Spice it up with smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce for that extra kick. You can also toss in some corn for sweetness!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to maintain its rich consistency.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, use fresh clams and don’t skip the sautéing step; it builds depth.
- If you’re short on time, canned clams work too—just drain them first!
- Remember that letting the chowder sit for a bit allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Sometimes when I make this Instant Pot clam chowder, my friends think I’ve unlocked some secret culinary skill. Little do they know, it’s all about timing—and maybe a bit of luck!
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Instant Pot Clam Chowder?
To make Instant Pot Clam Chowder, gather the following ingredients: fresh or canned clams, diced potatoes, onion, celery, garlic, chicken or vegetable broth, heavy cream, butter, and seasonings like thyme and pepper. homemade cream of chicken soup You can also add bacon for extra flavor. creamy chicken noodle casserole These ingredients combine to create a rich and creamy chowder that warms you up on chilly days.
How long does it take to prepare Instant Pot Clam Chowder?
Preparing Instant Pot Clam Chowder takes about 30 minutes in total. This includes approximately 10 minutes for prep work and around 15 minutes of cooking time in the Instant Pot. The pressure release will take an additional few minutes. Overall, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of clam chowder in less than an hour with minimal effort.
Can I freeze Instant Pot Clam Chowder?
Yes, you can freeze Instant Pot Clam Chowder. To do this, let the chowder cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It’s best to freeze the chowder without the cream added; instead, add cream upon reheating. This prevents separation and maintains a creamy texture. Properly stored, it can last up to three months in the freezer.
Is Instant Pot Clam Chowder healthy?
Instant Pot Clam Chowder can be a healthy meal option when made with wholesome ingredients. Clams are high in protein and essential nutrients like iron and omega-3 fatty acids. To make it lighter, use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream or reduce the amount of butter used. Adjusting the recipe allows you to enjoy a flavorful bowl without compromising on health.
Conclusion for Instant Pot Clam Chowder:
In summary, making delicious Instant Pot Clam Chowder is simple and quick with the right ingredients and tools. This comforting dish features clams and potatoes simmered together for rich flavor and creamy consistency. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold evening or serving it at gatherings, this chowder is sure to impress your guests. With easy preparation and customizable options, it’s a versatile recipe that everyone will love!
Instant Pot Clam Chowder
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Instant Pot Clam Chowder is a delightful, creamy dish that brings the flavors of the sea into your home in under an hour. With tender clams, hearty Yukon Gold potatoes, and smoky bacon, this chowder is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Perfectly seasoned and easy to make, it’s guaranteed to impress family and friends as a cozy meal on chilly nights or at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh clams, cleaned
- 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced (about 2 cups)
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse fresh clams under cold water and scrub clean.
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon but keep the fat in the pot.
- Sauté chopped onion and celery in the bacon fat for about five minutes. Add diced potatoes and stir.
- Pour in chicken broth and add thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Place cleaned clams on top without stirring.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set to high pressure for five minutes.
- Once cooked, carefully release pressure manually. Stir in heavy cream and cooked bacon bits until combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Substitute clams with shrimp or add corn for sweetness. For added flavor, consider using smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce. Leftover chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months (add cream when reheating).
