Pressure-Cooker Sonoran Clam Chowder

Name: Pressure-Cooker Sonoran Clam Chowder
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).
Cuisine: North America, Southwest
Ingredients: 6 thick-sliced peppered bacon strips, chopped; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped; 2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chiles; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3 cans (6-1/2 ounces each) chopped clams, undrained; 4 cups diced Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1-1/2 pounds); 1/2 cup chicken stock; 2 cups half-and-half cream; 1 envelope taco seasoning; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 35 min. Cook: 5 min. YIELD: 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Being from New England originally I always appreciated a good rich clam chowder. But living in the Southwest the past 35 years, I have learned to appreciate the Sonoran flavors. This recipe blends a comfort food memory with my current home flavor profiles. —James Scott, Phoenix, AZ

Ingredients

6 thick-sliced peppered bacon strips, chopped
3 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chiles
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 cans (6-1/2 ounces each) chopped clams, undrained
4 cups diced Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1-1/2 pounds)
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 cups half-and-half cream
1 envelope taco seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided

Directions

1. Select saute setting on a 6-qt. electric pressure cooker. Adjust for medium heat; add bacon. Cook until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings, reserving 2 tablespoons in pan. Add butter to drippings in pressure cooker. Add onion, red pepper and chiles; cook and stir until tender, 7-9 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Press cancel.
2. Drain clams; pour juice into pressure cooker. Set clams aside. Stir in potatoes and stock. Lock lid; close pressure-release valve. Adjust to pressure-cook on high for 4 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally for 4 minutes; quick-release any remaining pressure. Select sauté setting and adjust for low heat. Add clams, cream, taco seasoning and 1 tablespoon cilantro; simmer, uncovered, until mixture is heated through, 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Press cancel. Serve with bacon and remaining 1 tablespoon cilantro.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 271 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 935mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.