Instant Pot Clam Chowder

I was skeptical of giving this recipe from Hip Pressure Cooking a try, but when I was planning our Super Bowl party and finally realized who was playing, a menu of “Cheeseteaks” and clam chowder fit the bill. The one could be made in the slow cooker and the other in the Instant Pot was a plus. Before you worry that the clams will get tough in the instant pot, if you are using canned clams as I did, they are added in at the end and simply heated through. The flavor comes from cooking the veggies in clam juice. New England Clam Chowder
1 cup chopped bacon (about 4-5 slices thick bacon)
1 medium onions, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 medium potatoes (red or russet), cubed
2 cups clam juice (8 oz bottled plus the juice from the canned clams was perfect)
1 bay leaf
1 sprig thyme

1 tbs butter
1 tbs flour
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
11 oz frozen or canned clams (I used 2-6 oz cans)

Sauté bacon until it releases much of its fat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to scrap up the bits of flavor from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the clam juice, potatoes, bay, thym and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook on high pressure for 6 to 7 minutes, depending upon the size and type of potatoes. Quick release when the time is finished. (I used my 6 qt instant pot and had no issues with steam).

Melt the butter in a small saucepan and stir in flour for a quick roux. With the instant pot on sauté-low, stir in the roux, milk cream and clams. Simmer the chowder, stirring ocassionaly until it has thickened slightly and the clams are heated through, about 5 minutes. You may sauté on medium if you are nearby and able to stir frequently. Season to taste.

Serves 4