Cheesy Potato Soup (InstaPot)
Ingredients
1 Tbsp butter or olive oil
1/2 c chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, finely minced or 1/2 tsp garlic powder
6 c peeled, chopped potatoes (30-32 oz) about 1/2 inch pieces (see note)
3 c low-sodium chicken broth,divded (meaning you'll use 1 c at first and the other 2 c later)
1 Tbsp dried parsley
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 oz cream cheese, low fat or regular, softened
1/3 c all-purpose flour
2 c milk
1-2 c shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2-3 c cooked, shredded or diced chicken, optional (see note)
1 c frozen or fresh corn kernels
cooked, crumbled bacon for serving
Directions
1. Using the Sauce function on the InstaPOt, heat the butter or oil
2. Add the onions and garlic, and cook for 1-2 min until the onions begin to soften.
3. Add the potatoes, 1 c broth, parsley, salt and pepper. Give the mixture a good stir.
4. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 4 min
5. Quick release the pressure (if liquid spurts from the release valve, wait 5-10 min and try again).
6. In a blender, combine the cream cheese, flour, milk, and remaining 2 c broth. Process until smooth.
7. Turn the InstaPot to Saute again. Stir in the cream cheese/flour mixture (it's ok if the potatoes break apart a little as you combine the ingredients).
8. Continue cooking and stirring constantly, until the soup simmers and thickens.
9. Add the cheese and stir until melted
10 Add the chicken (if using) and corn and heat through.
11. Serve immediately (or keep warm in the InstaPot for up to an hour). Top individual servings with bacon.
Note: Many times when I've made this I've used the cute small potatoes ( i.e. Little potatoes company - i buy the large bags at costco but i know there are other brands out there) and I don't peel them, and it works great. I just halve or quarter the potatoes.
Thie chicken is optional but tasty. I most often use a deboned rotisserie chicken thawed from the freezer, but you could go so far as to add uncooked, diced chicken in the first step anti will cook with the potatoes and other ingredients.