Clam Chowder, Light and Lovely

A lighter version of a rich clam chowder. This recipe does not skimp on taste but saves the calories and fat.

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 2  slices bacon, cooked crisp and broken
• 2  large yellow onions, finely chopped
• 1⁄2 cup  low-fat chicken broth
• 2  medium potatoes, cubed
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3  tablespoons butter
• 3  tablespoons flour
• 3  cups skim milk
• 2  cups  fat-free half-and-half
• 4 (10 ounce) cans baby clams, undrained
• 1  teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3  tablespoons parsley, chopped
•  paprika

Directions

1. Fry bacon in a large Dutch oven until crisp, remove with slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Add onion to pot, sauté until softened, and then add potatoes and chicken stock.
3. Season with salt and cayenne, cover and cook for 15 minutes.
4. In a second large saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, whisking to make a roux.
5. Cook for 1 minute, then add half and half and milk while whisking.
6. Cook over low heat until thickened.
7. Pour into onion and potato mixture; add clams, 2 cans undrained, add clams only, from the other cans reserving the juice.
8. Add Worcestershire and bacon.
9. Add the other 2 cans of reserved juice a bit at a time to reach desired consistency.
10. Stir and gently cook over moderate heat until heated through.
11. Garnish with parsley and paprika.