Instant Pot Clam Chowder

Instant Pot Clam Chowder: A Creamy Seafood Delight

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of the sea with this Instant Pot Clam Chowder recipe! Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender clams, potatoes, and aromatic herbs, this homemade clam chowder is the ultimate comfort food for seafood lovers. Made with simple ingredients and cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot, this chowder is sure to warm your soul and become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner at home or craving a taste of the coast, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your seafood cravings. Let’s dive into the world of clam chowder and learn how to make this delicious dish right in your own kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe? A: While red potatoes work well for their creamy texture and firmness, you can also use Yukon Gold or russet potatoes for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Q: Can I use fresh clams instead of canned clams? A: Absolutely! If you have access to fresh clams, you can use them instead of canned clams. Simply steam the clams until they open, then remove the meat from the shells and chop them before adding to the chowder.

Q: Is clam juice necessary for this recipe? A: Yes, clam juice adds depth of flavor to the chowder and enhances the seafood taste. If you’re unable to find clam juice, you can substitute with seafood stock or chicken broth, but the flavor may vary slightly.

Q: Can I make this recipe keto-friendly? A: Yes, you can make a keto-friendly version of clam chowder by substituting the potatoes with cauliflower or turnips, and using heavy cream instead of flour to thicken the broth.

Ingredients:

  • 3 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 5 cups red potatoes, diced
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 3 teaspoons salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 1/4 cups clam juice (juice from 6.5 oz and 10 oz cans of clams)
  • 3 tablespoons white cooking wine
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 tablespoons flour
  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups (16.5 oz) chopped clams (clams from one 6.5 oz can and 10 oz can)
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Bacon: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced potatoes, onion, and celery to the Instant Pot with the bacon fat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Season the Chowder: Season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and thyme, stirring to combine.
  4. Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, clam juice, and white cooking wine, then add the bay leaf. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
  5. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the vent to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
  6. Quick Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick pressure release to release any remaining pressure.
  7. Thicken the Chowder: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and heavy cream until smooth. Stir the mixture into the Instant Pot until the chowder thickens.
  8. Add Clams and Bacon: Stir in the chopped clams and reserved bacon, allowing the chowder to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the chowder and garnish with chopped parsley. Ladle the clam chowder into bowls and serve hot.

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

  • Creamy Texture: For an extra creamy texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the chowder before adding the clams and bacon.
  • Extra Flavor: Enhance the flavor of the chowder by adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, or Old Bay seasoning to taste.
  • Make it Keto: To make a keto-friendly version of clam chowder, omit the potatoes and flour, and use cauliflower or turnips as a low-carb substitute. Increase the amount of heavy cream to thicken the broth.
  • Seafood Variety: Experiment with different types of seafood, such as shrimp, crab, or lobster, to create your own unique clam chowder recipe.

With its rich and creamy texture, flavorful broth, and tender chunks of potatoes and clams, Instant Pot Clam Chowder is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy weeknight dinner or a special holiday meal, this delicious chowder is sure to impress. So grab your Instant Pot and get ready to savor the taste of the sea with this easy and satisfying clam chowder recipe.