Cleaned Up Corn Chowder

Here in Utah spring has officially sprung in the form of much needed rain on and off for the last week. After experiencing another heavy rainstorm today, I was in the mood for something warm and filling. I decided to make my own healthier version of a comport food classic and whip up a pot of Corn Chowder. This is a hearty soup that is still velvety, without any butter or cream. It's a great weeknight meal that doesn't take long to prepare and freezes well to use for meals down the road. You can make it vegetarian by adding cubes of sweet potatoes and kale (use vegetable broth as well) or make the protein even leaner with roasted chicken breast or turkey. 

Cleaned up Corn Chowder

Ingredients: 

4 links of chicken sausage cut into slices (I used Johnsonville Apple Chicken Sausage)

4 slices of bacon (you may use turkey bacon if you please, but my house runs on the real deal)

2 14oz cans of organic low fat, low sodium chicken broth

1 can of Healthy request cream of chicken soup

1 14oz can of organic creamed corn

1 C. fat free milk 

1 med onion diced

1 celery stalk chopped thin

1 med carrot chopped thin

1 1/2 C. of sweet frozen corn 

1 tsp of onion powder

1/2 tsp of seasoned salt 

1/4 tsp of dried sage

Black pepper to taste

Directions: 

Cube the bacon and sauté until crispy in a large stockpot. Use a slotted spoon to remove and place on paper towels to drain. Remove excess grease from the pot. Add the chicken until browned on both sides. Add the onion, carrot, celery and seasoned salt to the pot and sauté until the onions are translucent. Be sure to stir often to pick up all the tasty bits left over from the bacon. 

Add the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, creamed corn, milk, onion powder, and dried sage. Let the broth simmer for 15 minutes to infuse and meld the flavors. Add the frozen corn and cook an additional 5 minutes. You may add water (1/2 C at a time) if the broth gets too thick, just to taste. 

Finish with salt and pepper to taste. To serve, sprinkle with fresh chives and bacon crumbles.

Round out the meal with a side salad and a roll or slice of your preferred bread. Grilled cheese would also be a great option. 

Serves 6-8

Hope you enjoy!