How to Make Instant Pot® Clam Chowder - A Step-by-Step Guide

Clam chowder is a classic New England dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a creamy and comforting soup filled with tender clams, hearty potatoes, and savory bacon. Traditionally, clam chowder is made on the stovetop and requires a fair amount of time and attention to come together. However, with the invention of the Instant Pot®, making clam chowder at home has become easier and more convenient than ever before.

Using the Instant Pot® allows you to achieve the same rich ...

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Ingredients

  • 3 (5 ounce) cans baby clams
  • 6 thick slices bacon, cut lengthwise first, then into 1-inch pieces
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • ½ cup diced celery
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups diced russet potatoes
  • ½ cup shredded carrots, loosely packed
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 sprigs thyme
  • 1 cup half-and-half

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Additional Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 servings

  • Drain clams into a colander set over a measuring cup. Reserve clam juice (there should be just over 2 cups liquid).
  • Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®) and select Saute function. Cook bacon until fat has rendered and bacon is crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate; set aside.
  • Remove and discard all but 1 tablespoon of bacon grease. Cook onion and celery in the bacon grease until onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Pour 1/4 cup clam juice into the pan and bring to a boil while scraping the browned bits of food off the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Mix in potatoes, carrots, pepper, thyme, and remaining clam juice. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 4 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
  • Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Release remaining pressure carefully using the quick-release method, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.
  • Remove 3/4 cup of the potatoes and mash with a fork. Return the mashed potatoes to the pot and stir. Turn on Saute mode. Add clams and half-and-half to the pot and cook until heated through but not boiling. Ladle into bowls and top with bacon.
  • Nutrition

    278 cal.

    • Total Fat: 11g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 76mg
    • Sodium: 404mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 18g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 25g
    • Vitamin C: 21mg
    • Calcium: 129mg
    • Iron: 21mg
    • Potassium: 866mg