Dive into a bowl of comfort with our delectable New England Clam Chowder, expertly crafted in your Instant Pot! This creamy, savory delight is not just a classic American dish; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly day. With just 35 minutes from prep to table, you can savor the rich flavors of tender clams, crispy bacon, and hearty vegetables without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready to impress your family or guests with a dish that’s both simple and sensational? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 2 cans clams, drained
- 2 cups clam juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping bacon into small pieces, dicing onion, celery, and potatoes into uniform small cubes.
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode and cook chopped bacon until crisp and golden, rendering out fat. Remove bacon bits and set aside, leaving bacon grease in the pot.
- In the same pot with bacon drippings, sauté diced onions and celery for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and slightly softened.
- Add diced potatoes to the pot and stir to coat with remaining bacon fat, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour in clam juice and drained clams, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Close Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 4-5 minutes.
- Once cooking completes, perform a quick release of pressure.
- Stir in heavy cream and reserved bacon bits, allowing mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional crispy bacon bits if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and bacon ahead of time. This way, you can quickly toss everything into the Instant Pot when you’re ready to cook.
- Crispy Bacon: For an extra crunch, reserve some of the bacon bits to sprinkle on top just before serving. It adds a delightful texture contrast to the creamy chowder.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker chowder, consider adding a bit more heavy cream or even a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water after cooking to thicken the broth.
- Flavor Boost: Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of white wine or a dash of hot sauce when sautéing the vegetables for a little extra kick.
- Serve with Bread: Pair your chowder with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a classic touch that complements the dish perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
