CURRIED WILD RICE & CHICKEN CHOWDER

CURRIED WILD RICE & CHICKEN CHOWDER

I love this chowder – thick, rich, without being full of fat and calories. Chicken chunks paired with chewy wild rice – just a touch, enough to give the illusion without too many added carbs…easy and filling. The ingredients list is long, but it’s quick to put together!
Serve this with warm whole grain rolls for your family and maybe a chopped green salad.
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Because  I didn't have certain ingredients I substituted some and omitted others. Like just used Basamati rice, didn't have any zucchini, sage or chives  on hand and just used my dry parsley.  It turned out amazing still!!

Made these amazing Rolls to go with it



1/4 cup wild rice
3/4 cup water
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons butter
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, shredded
1 stalk celery, diced
1 small zucchini, diced
1/4 cup flour
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups 2% milk (Skim would work…will be less rich, but will taste fine, if you’d rather)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried chives
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon sage
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon yellow curry powder
2 cups shredded chicken breast (or vege: use the Morningstar Chicken meal-starters, shredded)
2 teaspoon fresh, minced parsley
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In a small saucepan bring wild rice and water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes or until tender. Drain if necessary. Set aside.
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Over medium heat in a large pot add olive oil, butter, onion, and garlic. Cook for 15 minutes or until golden and soft, stirring occasionally. Add carrots, celery, and zucchini. Cook for 10 minutes. Stir in flour very well and cook for an additional minute. Add the cooked wild rice, chicken broth, milk, salt, black pepper, bay leaf, chives, thyme, sage, nutmeg, and curry powder.
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Reduce heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until vegetables are tender and soup is thickened. Remove bay leaf. Stir in chicken and fresh parsley. Heat through. Makes approx eight 1-cup servings.