No Soup For You!

Seinfeld anyone? I love this episode.

 

Always funny. I don't know what it is about this cold the past few weeks, but all I've wanted is soup. I had some delicious Idaho spuds that a client brought for me, so I decided to work them into my dinner tonight. I definitely found a way to do so. I, unlike the Soup Nazi, have a great soup recipe for you. I always tend to stay away from any soup that I can't see through to the bottom of the bowl. Like I always recommend, broth-based soups are best. Cream based soups are (for the most part) scary calorie-wise. However, I have good news. This Potato Corn Chowder recipe makes you think you're eating a cream based soup, but you're not! It's so low in calories and fat you almost won't believe it. It's ridiculously easy. It will make your kitchen smell like heaven, and it's extremely delicious. The best part? You make it in the crock pot! Cooking it for several hours makes the flavors combine so well, and the potatoes are extremely tender. Once you get the prep work done you can walk away and not have to worry about it. What is better than that?

Potato Corn Chowder

 (Worst, most boring picture ever...I know. It doesn't do it justice. Just trust me on this one. It's divine.)

Ingredients:

1 lb frozen whole kernel corn
1 large onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped (I am not a huge celery girl, so I used 1/2 tsp of celery seed instead)
1 tbsp butter or margarine (I used this because it was my first time making this recipe, but I think you could do without)
2 cups potatoes, diced

1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup water
2 tsp chicken bouillon granules
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp salt (more to taste if necessary)
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp dried dill
6 tbsp flour
3 cups fat free milk

Combine all ingredients except flour and milk in a 3 ½ or 4 quart slow cooker. Cook on low 8-9 hours, or until potatoes are tender. At that point you're ready to add in the milk mixture. In a separate bowl, mix flour and milk until smooth. Stir slowly into corn chowder until thickened. Makes 7 servings - each serving contains: 180 calories, 2.5 grams fat, 3 grams fiber. Is that not amazing? I ate mine with some whole wheat pita bread, and it was really good! I think some corn bread would have really hit the spot. Make some soup, put on your jammies, and wrap yourself up in a blanket. It's cold out there folks.