In a Snap Potato Corn Chowder

Even though its close to 60 degrees this weekend, I promised a special lady that I would make her soup. She actually requested that I make her baked potato soup, but I wanted her to try my In a Snap Potato Corn Chowder first. I've made this soup multiple times, and have shared the recipe just as many! It's so comforting and simple, and you can top it with whatever you want. It's lower in fat and calories then real chowders because my recipe uses 1% milk and flour instead of heavy cream.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter (you can use less)
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 stalk celery, minced
• 1 garlic clove smashed
• 2 teaspoons salt (I actually end up using more, but don't add until the very end)
• 4 cups water
• 5 potatoes, peeled and diced (the size doesn't matter, since you will blend this anyway) 
• 4 cup frozen sweet corn kernels
• ¹/₂ cup 1% milk
• freshly ground black pepper
• Toppings (I always serve this with lots of scallions, bacon and cheese)

Directions

In a stockpot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes or until onion and celery begin to soften.

Add water and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover and simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are soft.
Add the milk and stir. Use an immersion blender (or a real blender if you don't have an immersion blender) to blend the potato mixture to a creamy consistency that resembles watered-down mashed potatoes. Return the mixture to the pot. (If the texture is too watery, you can add 1T of flour and cook for another few minutes until the mixture thickens up a bit.)

Add corn and simmer for 5 minutes. If you're using scallions, chop them and add them in at this step. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste.

Ladle into bowls and garnish with cheese, bacon or whatever else you can think of. Get creative! Next time, I may add a dash of cayenne.


Adapted from: http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/meals-and-menus/holidays-and-entertaining/holidays/easy-delicious-corn-potato-chowder