Imagine a hearty, tomato-based chowder that transports you to the rugged New England coastline with every spoonful - without spending hours in the kitchen! This Instant Pot Manhattan Clam Chowder is your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal in under 45 minutes. Unlike traditional creamy chowders, this Manhattan-style version bursts with vibrant tomato flavor and tender clams that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that's both incredibly easy to make and devastatingly delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups clam juice
- 1 can (6.5 oz) chopped clams, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping onions, garlic, celery, and potatoes into uniform pieces.
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat olive oil until shimmering. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, clam juice, and diced potatoes. Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and select Manual/Pressure Cook mode. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once cooking cycle completes, perform a quick release of pressure by carefully turning the valve to venting position.
- Open lid and stir in drained chopped clams, allowing residual heat to warm them through for 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle chowder into serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or oyster crackers if desired.
Tips
- Uniform chopping is key! Cut your vegetables into similarly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Don't rush the sautéing step - letting onions and celery develop a light golden color will enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Use fresh clam juice if possible for a more robust seafood taste.
- Be careful not to overcook the clams - they should be just warmed through to prevent becoming rubbery.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing stage.
- Fresh parsley as a garnish can elevate the presentation and add a bright, fresh note to the chowder.
- Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers for the perfect complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
