Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced celery
2 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled Yukon gold or baking potato (about 3/4 pound)
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 (8-ounce) bottle clam juice
1 bay leaf
1 cup 2% reduced-fat milk
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 (6 1/2-ounce) can minced clams, undrained
Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and celery, and sauté 5 minutes or until onion is soft. Stir in potato and next 5 ingredients (potato through bay leaf). Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 12 minutes or until potato is tender.
Combine milk and flour in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Add flour mixture and clams to saucepan, and bring to a simmer. Cook 2 minutes or until mixture begins to thicken, stirring frequently. Discard bay leaf. Ladle soup into bowls; garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 1/4 cups)