So Many Dishes

We are back in our usual routine, with Ken cooking on Tuesday evenings. He had chosen to make a Cooking Light version of chicken corn chowder. It turned out to be a great choice; I started with a head cold on Sunday afternoon, and there’s nothing better when you have a cold than soup.

Chicken corn chowder is a Pennsylvania Dutch staple. When we last traveled to Pennsylvania, for a get-together with a group of Ken’s high school friends, Maria, the woman who hosted the group, cooked it for the first evening we were all together. I’ve made Maria’s recipe, which is delicious, but it makes a large pot. It also isn’t exactly low-cal. The version Ken made is definitely healthier. The Pennsylvania Dutch version includes potatoes, and the recipe from Maria includes frozen hash browns. Much as I like that recipe, I like Ken’s take on it better. The original is definitely a cold weather, stick-to-your-ribs kind of dish. I’d be happy to eat Ken’s soup any time.

The published recipe includes a minced jalapeño, which is definitely not something you find in Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. Ken replaced it with a diced bell pepper, which also made the soup more colorful. The basil is his addition; he didn’t think the thyme provided enough seasoning.

Quick Chicken-Corn Chowder

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped onion
• 2 medium stalks celery, coarsely chopped
• 1 colored bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
• 2 cups chopped cooked skinless, boneless chicken breast (Ken poached one 10-ounce breast half, which was plenty of meat)
• 11/2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and bell pepper; cook 3 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Add flour and cook one minute, stirring constantly. Stir in milk and remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; cook until thick, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Makes 4 generous servings.

Happy eating!