Saturday, January 12, 2008

Rocky Mountain Potato Chowder



1/4 lb. (4-6 slices) bacon, cut into small pieces
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced (include green tops)
2-14 1/2 oz cans low-sodium chicken broth (3 1/2 cups)
3-4 potatoes (1 1/2 lbs.), peeled and cubed
1 cup sliced carrot
1 red bell pepper or 1/2 lb. tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 medium zucchini, sliced
1 cup corn kernels
1/2 Tbsp. dried thyme
2 cups shredded or cubed cooked turkey or chicken
2 cups low-fat milk
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
Salt & pepper to taste

In a large heavy pot over medium heat, brown bacon. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Pour off remaining bacon fat and add green onions (reserve 1/2 cup dark tops) to the pot; stir and cook for 1 minute.

Add broth and potatoes; cover and cook 10 minutes or until potatoes are not quite tender.

Add carrots, cooking 5 minutes more.

Add bell pepper, zucchini, corn and thyme; cook until vegetables are tender.

Add turkey/chicken and reserved onion tops.

Mix milk with cornstarch and add to soup.

Bring to boil, stirring constantly (about 1 minute), until soup begins to thicken slightly.

Season with salt and pepper. Top with bacon pieces right before serving.

Makes 2 1/2 quarts; 6 servings

Notes:

The original recipe calls for quartered potatoes. I like a smaller bite-size piece, so I adjusted the cooking time a bit so they wouldn't get mushy. Also, I like my bacon crispy, so instead of keeping it in the pot with all the vegetables and broth, I add the cooked pieces to the individual soup bowls before serving. I generally need to thin the chowder with a bit of water or broth when serving leftovers, as most of the liquid disappears with the initial servings. As with most soups, you can add or delete any of the vegetables to suit your personal tastes.

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5 Comments:

At 1:17 PM, Blogger Ane said...

This looks delicious! I will definitely have to try it! Love this blog! Aloha!

 
At 2:16 PM, Blogger Booklogged said...

Definitely looks delicious, Les. I love soups, chowders and stews. It's one of the things I love about living in a place that has distinct seasons.

My husband recently started a new blog about food that is quite delightful. I thought you might enjoy checking it out. He's quite a delightful writer and he's having fun experimenting with his recipes. The blog is Fiddling With My Food.

 
At 12:58 PM, Blogger Les said...

The Mama Hood - You'll have to let me know how you like it.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Do you have one I can visit?

Booklogged - This one is so good because it really is quite simple and tastes so hearty. Perfect for these long, cold winter nights. We're due for snow again and I'm trying desperately not to grumble.

Thanks for the link to your hubby's blog. As you've probably already noticed, I've visited and commented. Looks like it will be a fun one! :) And lucky you that he likes to cook. Mine likes to eat. :)

 
At 12:48 PM, Blogger Heather said...

Oh I am ALL for this! That looks delicious! I love, love, love soups, stews, all of it. It's my favorite thing about winter! I'll be making this next week!

 
At 4:14 PM, Blogger Les said...

Heather - I'm ready to make this one again! I may add some kielbasa this time around. I love potato soups. Enjoy!

 

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