Easy Clam Chowder

Easy Clam Chowder

1/2 c diced onion
1/2 c diced celery
dash salt and pepper
1 tsp original Mrs. Dash
1 tbsp butter
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups diced potatoes
1/2 c shredded carrots (I grated mine.)
2 cans diced clams (drain juice and use with vegetable broth)
1 cup mashed potatoes*
1 cup milk (or cream, or half and half)

 Over med heat. lightly saute the onions and celery until soft. Add vegetable broth and clam juice and bring to boil adding potatoes and carrots. Cook about 10 min. Add mashed potatoes, seasonings, and milk. Bring to boil and cook on med-low heat for about 10 minutes. Add clams in the last 5 minutes. Remove from heat, Thickens as it cools. Serve warm w/ crackers. Serves 4-6 easily.

* Many people I know use flour to thicken, I learned that other mashed fresh vegetables that are starchy will thicken just as well and you get the added vegetable nutrients and flavor. I had leftover homemade mashed potatoes from last night's roast and just used that. If you do not, you can fry 2 tbsp flour with the onions and butter in the beginning right before adding the broth. This will create a thick gravy to add to.  By using the mashed potatoes, however, you can serve this without problems of wheat flour (for those with sensitivity.)