Instant Pot Creamy Cauliflower Chowder – Recipe!

Happy New Year and it’s time for my Instant Pot Creamy Cauliflower Chowder because it’s deliciously simple, and so satisfying at mealtime.

Chowder is a cross between a soup and a stew and this one is made with cauliflower and potatoes for a nice vegetarian meal.  I think cauliflower makes a great base for chowder because of its firm texture and ability to stand up after cooking.  Using a pressure cooker to make this chowder speeds up the process and turns a full head of cauliflower into chowder in minutes.  A few ingredients make up the entire recipe, and the creaminess comes the vegetables, a splash of half & half and a handful of white cheddar cheese for that extra something special.

This chowder makes a great meal anytime of the day, and it is especially nice reheated for lunch.  It will last for days in the refrigerator, so you always have something healthy to eat in minutes.  It will also freeze well, just in case you want to double-up and make some for another meal.

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower, cut up

3 white new potatoes, peeled and cut in quarters

1 white onion, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

2 teaspoons dried thyme

2 teaspoons onion powder

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

pinch of cayenne

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup half & half

1 cup white cheddar + 1/4 cup for topping

olive oil

(Serves 6)

To Prepare:

1. Saute onion and garlic in 2 teaspoons of olive oil in pot, about 2 minutes.  Add thyme, onion powder, salt, pepper and cayenne, stir.  Add cauliflower and potatoes.  Pour in broth and stir to combine.
2. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.  Remove pressure immediately and add half & half and cheese, stir until creamy.
3. Using wooden spoon gently mash larger pieces of cauliflower and potatoes until smaller bite-sized pieces.  Ladle into bowls and top with cheese.  Enjoy!