Plug in your pressure cooker and push the “Sauté” button {bottom left}. When the display reads “HOT”. add the butter.
Once the butter is melted, add the onions and carrots. Stir and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Add the flour and cook stirring constantly until bubbly and the vegetables are coated.
Add the chicken stock, mustard powder, and cayenne. Stir to thoroughly combine making sure to get out any lumps. Add the ale/beer and stir.
Secure the lid and make sure the knob is in the “Sealing” position. Press the “Manual” or "Pressure Cook" button and adjust the time to 5 minutes using the + and – buttons.
When it beeps do not turn off your Instant Pot. VERY carefully turn the knob to release the steam. Have a dish towel handy to toss on top of the knob if the soup starts spewing out the top!! Turn the knob to stop the release, wait a few seconds, then carefully turn the knob again to release the remaining pressure. If you hear a gurgling noise, turn off the pressure!!
Gradually add the cheddar cheese in batches, whisking to incorporate the cheese.
Once the cheese is melted, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Add the milk, stir to combine and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
Turn off the pressure cooker and ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with croutons, bacon bits, and diced green onions or chives.
Notes
Dice your carrots pretty small, about the same size as you dice the onions so they cook thoroughly.
I joked about there not being a substitute for the beer, but you could always use more chicken stock instead...if you must.
I do not drink beer because I cannot stand the taste, and I cannot taste the beer in this soup.
Yes, the beer cooks out...mostly, or so I'm told. The kids will never know it's there if you don't tell them! LOL
I added 1/8th teaspoon of cayenne pepper to this soup just like I do with my Homemade Macaroni and Cheese. You will feel it on the back of your throat, but it is not overpowering. Omit it altogether if you prefer. Add additional cayenne or hot sauce if you like it really spicy!