Description
Savor the rich flavor of Instant Pot Corn Chowder with Bacon and Basil. This comforting dish combines sweet corn, creamy potatoes, and savory bacon for a quick yet hearty meal perfect for cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 5 slices thick cut bacon cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1/2 medium onion)
- 1/4 cup chopped celery (about 1 stalk)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups corn kernels (from 4–5 ears of corn), frozen works too
- 1 1/2 lb red potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch chunks
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
- Garnish: basil, bacon, corn kernels, black pepper
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Once hot, add the bacon and cook until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels.
- Using the bacon fat, sauté the yellow onion, celery, and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add corn, diced potatoes, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cancel the sauté function.
- Pour in the broth and stir. Close the lid, set the vent to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. Allow 5-10 minutes for the Instant Pot to reach pressure before cooking.
- After cooking, quick release the pressure by changing the vent to venting mode. Transfer half the soup to a blender and blend until smooth; alternatively, use an immersion blender in the pot.
- Return the blended soup to the Instant Pot, add cheese, heavy cream, and chopped basil. Stir well.
- Serve topped with bacon, fresh basil, corn kernels, and black pepper.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth.
This chowder can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg