LOBSTER CLAM CHOWDER RECIPES

Steps:

• Drain clams, reserving up to 2 cups of clam juice. If needed, add enough water to clam juice to make 2 cups.
• Add diced bacon to the Instant Pot. Using the display panel select the SAUTE function.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered, but the bacon is not crispy.
• Add onion, butter, thyme and celery seed or celery. Deglaze by using a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pot, then saute until onion is soft, 3-4 minutes.
• Add garlic, salt and pepper and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
• Add clam juice and potatoes and stir to combine.
• Turn the pot off by selecting CANCEL, then secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed.
• Using the display panel select the MANUAL function*. Use the +/- keys and program the Instant Pot for 4 minutes.
• When the time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 4 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
• Using a slotted spoon, remove about half the potatoes to a bowl and set aside. Remove thyme sprigs and discard.
• Use an immersion blender to process soup mixture until smooth. Return reserved potatoes to the pot along with the clams and half and half.
• Cook and stir on the WARM function until chowder is heated through. (Switch to the SAUTE function if needed, but do not boil.)
• Garnish with snipped chives

Steps:

• Remove the meat from the shells of the lobsters. Cut the meat into large cubes and place them in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Reserve the shells and all the juices that collect. Cut the corn kernels from the cobs and set aside, reserving the cobs separately.
• For the stock, melt the butter in a stockpot or Dutch oven large enough to hold all the lobster shells and corncobs. Add the onion and cook over medium-low heat for 7 minutes, until translucent but not browned, stirring occasionally. Add the sherry and paprika and cook for 1 minute. Add the milk, cream, wine, lobster shells and their juices, and corn cobs and bring to a simmer. Partially cover the pot and simmer the stock over the lowest heat for 30 minutes. (I move the pot halfway off the heat.)
• Meanwhile, in another stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the oil and cook the bacon for 4 to 5 minutes over medium-low heat, until browned and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and reserve. Add the potatoes, onions, celery, corn kernels, salt, and pepper to the same pot and saute for 5 minutes. When the stock is ready, remove the largest pieces of lobster shell and the corn cobs with tongs and discard. Place a strainer over the soup pot and carefully pour the stock into the pot with the potatoes and corn. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Add the cooked lobster, the chives and the sherry and season to taste. Heat gently and serve hot with a garnish of crisp bacon.