Clam Chowder with Greens {a lighter New England Clam Chowder option}

Loaded with chopped greens and minus the traditional potatoes, Clam Chowder with Greens is a lighter Clam Chowder option. Serve up a bowl with some whole-grain bread, and you've got yourself a hearty meal with all the creamy goodness of New England Clam Chowder  -- with a little more healthfulness packed in.

The thick and creamy goodness of New England style clam chowder, chock full of clams, cream, and tender potatoes ... it's one of my favorites.  But, I felt it necessary to find a lower-fat, lower-carb, healthier version to make at home that didn't induce the usual post-bowl guilt I felt after indulging in it's rich yumminess.

Still, it was difficult for me to let go of the traditional.  I did grow up in New England, after all.  When I came across a recipe packing in greens and boasting lower calories and carbs, I was skeptical, but tried to hold on to a chowder-open mind.  Replace the traditional potatoes with leafy greens??  Really???  Though skeptical, I was intrigued.

So, figuring the worst that could happen was a wasted pot of chowder, I took the plunge and cooked up a batch.  Well guess what?  This is now my go-to Clam Chowder.  No wasted pot of chowder here.  While it's not quite as thick as the traditional fare, it's got great flavor and a healthy kick from the greens.

Healthy greens like these turnip and mustard greens ...

... chopped up and cooked up with a whole mess of clams, half-and-half, and turkey bacon.

Serve up a bowl with some whole-grain bread, and you've got yourself a hearty meal with all the creamy goodness of New England Clam Chowder ... with a little more healthfulness packed in.

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clam chowder recipe, lighter clam chowder recipe, clam chowder with greens recipe

Soups

New England

Yield: about 4-6 servings

Author: Tracey | The Kitchen is My Playground

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Clam Chowder with Greens {a lighter New England Clam Chowder option}

Loaded with chopped greens and minus the traditional potatoes, Clam Chowder with Greens is a lighter Clam Chowder option. Serve up a bowl with some whole-grain bread, and you've got yourself a hearty meal with all the creamy goodness of New England Clam Chowder -- with a little more healthfulness packed in.

Prep time: 15 MCook time: 25 MTotal time: 40 M

Ingredients:

• 1/4 lb. (about 5 slices) turkey bacon
• 1 T. olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 6 T. flour
• 4 c. (about 12 oz.) chopped turnip, mustard, or other greens
• 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans chicken broth
• 3 (10 oz.) cans chopped clams, juice reserved
• 1 c. milk or half-and-half
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Instructions:

1. Drain clams, reserving the juice.
2. Chop bacon; cook in a large saucepan over medium-low heat until crisp. Drain on a paper towel and set aside.
3. Add olive oil to the same pan, and then add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Add flour and cook and stir about 1 minute, coating onions with the flour. Add chopped greens and cook about 2 minutes.
4. Stir in chicken broth and reserved clam juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes.
5. Stir in milk or half-and-half and heat through. Stir in black pepper, clams, and turkey bacon; cook for 1-2 minutes more.

TRACEY'S NOTES:

1. I usually use a combination of turnip greens and mustard greens.

https://www.thekitchenismyplayground.com/2012/02/clam-chowder-with-greens-lighter-ne.html

Adapted from Prevention Healthy Cooking's Lose Weight the Smart Low-Carb Way

Created using The Recipes Generator