Halibut & Potato Chowder

Name: Halibut & Potato Chowder
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings (3 quarts).
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, cubed; 4 celery ribs, chopped; 3 medium carrots, chopped; 1 large onion, chopped; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper; 2 cups 2% milk; 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth; 1/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon chicken base; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped; 1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained; 3 bay leaves; 2 cups half-and-half cream; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 pound halibut or other whitefish fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 cup salad croutons; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup minced chives

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Cook: 30 min. YIELD: 12 servings (3 quarts).

Several times a year I invite both my retired and current teaching friends to a dinner party with their spouses. I've served this halibut chowder at those parties, and it's always a big hit. —Teresa Lueck, Onamia, Minnesota

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, cubed
4 celery ribs, chopped
3 medium carrots, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
2 cups 2% milk
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon chicken base
3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
3 bay leaves
2 cups half-and-half cream
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 pound halibut or other whitefish fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup salad croutons
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup minced chives

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add celery, carrots and onion; cook and stir until tender. Stir in flour and pepper until blended; gradually add milk, broth, water and chicken base. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes.
2. Add potatoes, corn and bay leaves. Return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, 15-20 minutes.
3. Stir in cream and lemon juice; return to a boil. Add halibut. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until fish flakes easily with a fork, 7-11 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Serve with remaining ingredients.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 316 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 671mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.