Delicious and Easy Clam Chowder Recipe: A Comforting Dish for Every Season

Clam chowder is a beloved classic that combines the richness of creamy potatoes, the brininess of tender clams, and the smoky depth of bacon. This recipe is a perfect blend of comfort and flavor, bringing together savory ingredients into a hearty, satisfying soup that’s perfect for chilly days, cozy nights, or any time you need a delicious, filling meal. Using an Instant Pot to streamline the cooking process, this clam chowder is easier and quicker to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want to indulge in a flavorful homemade dish.

In this article, we’ll guide you through each step of making this comforting clam chowder, ensuring that every spoonful is as delicious as it is warming.

Why You’ll Love This Clam Chowder

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why clam chowder is such a beloved dish:

• Comfort Food at Its Best: This soup is the epitome of comfort food, with its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s the perfect dish for those days when you want something hearty and filling.
• Simple Yet Flavorful: With just a few basic ingredients like clams, bacon, onions, celery, and potatoes, this soup is easy to make but packed with flavor.
• Quick and Easy with an Instant Pot: By using an Instant Pot, you cut down on cooking time while still achieving the same rich, savory flavors you would get from traditional slow cooking.
• Versatile: Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a starter, this clam chowder is versatile and can be customized with additional seasonings or ingredients based on your preferences.

Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious clam chowder.

Ingredients for Clam Chowder

This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, making it a convenient dish to prepare anytime. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Soup Base:

• 3 cans of minced or chopped clams: These provide the briny, savory flavor that defines clam chowder. You can use canned clams for convenience, which also saves time. Be sure to keep the juice from the canned clams, as it will be part of the liquid base.
• 5 slices of bacon, chopped: Bacon adds a smoky depth and savory richness to the chowder. As the bacon crisps up, it will also add a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy soup.
• 1 cup chopped onions: Onions bring a sweet, savory flavor that balances out the brininess of the clams and the richness of the bacon.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped: Celery adds a subtle crunch and fresh flavor to the soup, enhancing its overall texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme: Thyme is an aromatic herb that adds an earthy, slightly lemony flavor, which pairs perfectly with the other savory ingredients.
• 2 tablespoons flour: The flour will help thicken the chowder, creating that creamy, hearty texture that makes clam chowder so comforting.
• Juice from canned clams and water to equal 2 cups: This liquid base imparts the oceanic flavor of the clams, giving the chowder its distinct, briny taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic adds depth of flavor and a subtle warmth to the soup without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Potatoes, cut up: Potatoes provide bulk and substance to the soup, creating that satisfying creamy texture that every great clam chowder should have.

How to Make Clam Chowder in an Instant Pot

Using an Instant Pot to make this clam chowder reduces cooking time and simplifies the process, making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks. Follow these steps for a bowl of delicious clam chowder.

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by turning your Instant Pot to the saute mode. Add the chopped bacon to the pot and cook until it becomes crispy and browned. This step will infuse the oil with rich bacon flavor, which will add depth to the soup. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Saute the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onions and celery to the bacon drippings. Saute the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and softened. This step helps release the natural sweetness of the onions and brings out the flavors of the celery.

Step 3: Add Flour and Seasoning

Add the flour to the pot and stir it well to coat the vegetables. This will create a roux that thickens the chowder. Sprinkle in the thyme and garlic powder, stirring to combine. Let the mixture cook for about 1 minute to allow the flour to absorb the flavors and form a smooth base for the soup.

Step 4: Add the Liquids and Potatoes

Pour in the juice from the canned clams and water to equal 2 cups. Add the chopped potatoes and stir everything together. The potatoes will cook in the Instant Pot and contribute to the chowder’s creamy texture. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any bits of flavor from the bacon and vegetables.

Step 5: Pressure Cook the Soup

Secure the lid of your Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 5 minutes. After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to let out any remaining steam.

Step 6: Add Clams and Bacon

Once the soup has finished cooking, open the Instant Pot and stir in the minced or chopped clams (with their juice) and the cooked bacon. Stir everything together and let it sit for a few minutes so the clams warm through and the flavors meld.

Step 7: Adjust Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste, and you can also adjust the amount of garlic powder or thyme if you prefer a stronger flavor.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your clam chowder hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra crispy bacon if desired. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or saltines for dipping. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Why This Clam Chowder Is Perfect for Every Occasion

• Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot makes this dish quick and simple, reducing the cooking time while still allowing the flavors to develop.
• Rich and Flavorful: With the perfect balance of smoky bacon, tender clams, creamy potatoes, and aromatic herbs, this clam chowder is the definition of comfort food.
• Versatile: Customize the chowder to suit your tastes. You can add extra vegetables, such as carrots or leeks, or even use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Clam Chowder recipe is the ultimate comfort food, delivering a rich, creamy soup filled with tender clams, crispy bacon, and hearty potatoes. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a satisfying, hearty meal, this clam chowder will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With the ease of the Instant Pot, you’ll enjoy all the flavors of a classic clam chowder in a fraction of the time.