Creamy Weight Watchers Potato and Leek Chowder
Warm up with this delicious and guilt-free Creamy Weight Watchers Potato and Leek Chowder. This comforting dish features hearty potatoes, aromatic leeks, and tender carrots, all simmered to perfection in a rich broth. Enhanced with the subtle smokiness of Canadian bacon and finished with creamy fat-free evaporated milk and half-and-half, this chowder is both satisfying and healthy. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week, this recipe is simple to make in your slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor!
8
Servings
110
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
2 cups (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
carrot
1 large (diced)
leek
1 cup (chopped, white part only)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
fat-free chicken broth
4 cups (n/a)
pearl barley
1/2 cup (rinsed)
bay leaf
1 (n/a)
thyme
1/4 teaspoon (crushed dried)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (n/a)
Canadian bacon
4 ounces (cut into 1/4-inch pieces)
fat-free evaporated milk
1/2 cup (n/a)
fat-free half-and-half
1/4 cup (n/a)
Instructions
1
In your slow cooker, layer the diced potatoes, carrots, chopped leeks, and minced garlic.
2
Pour in the fat-free chicken broth and add the pearl barley, bay leaf, crushed thyme, pepper, and Canadian bacon.
3
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours, or until the vegetables and barley are tender.
4
Once the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaf and stir in the fat-free evaporated milk and fat-free half-and-half.
5
Allow the chowder to heat through uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
6
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
19g
Carbs
5.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Weight Watchers Potato and Leek Chowder?
It is a comforting, low-calorie soup made with potatoes, leeks, carrots, and Canadian bacon simmered to perfection.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is designed to be low-fat and calorie-conscious, making it suitable for Weight Watchers and other healthy diets.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 110 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is very low at 1 gram per serving.
How much protein does this chowder provide?
There are 5.5 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
Each serving contains 19 grams of carbohydrates.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What is the main cooking method?
This recipe is primarily prepared using a slow cooker for easy, hands-off cooking.
What type of potatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of potatoes cut into 1/2-inch cubes; Yukon Gold or Russet work well.
Which part of the leek is used for this recipe?
You should use one cup of chopped leeks, specifically the white part only.
What is the role of pearl barley in this chowder?
Pearl barley adds texture, heartiness, and fiber to the chowder.
Can I substitute the Canadian bacon?
Yes, you can omit it for a vegetarian version or use a lean ham or turkey bacon.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, pearl barley contains gluten. You would need to substitute it with a gluten-free grain like brown rice.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the Canadian bacon.
How long does the chowder cook in the slow cooker?
It should be cooked on the low setting for 6 hours.
Can I cook this on the high setting if I am in a hurry?
Yes, you can cook it on high for about 3-4 hours, though low is recommended for better flavor melding.
Why is fat-free evaporated milk used?
It provides a rich, creamy texture without the high fat content found in heavy cream.
When do I add the milk and half-and-half?
Add the dairy components after the initial 6 hours of cooking is complete.
Do I need to cook the barley before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, the rinsed pearl barley cooks directly in the slow cooker with the broth and vegetables.
How should I prepare the carrots?
Use one large carrot and dice it into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe is flavored with dried crushed thyme, a bay leaf, and pepper.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, use about three times the amount of fresh thyme compared to the dried amount requested.
How do I store the leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can this potato and leek chowder be frozen?
It can be frozen, but note that the texture of the potatoes and dairy may change slightly upon thawing.
What is the best way to reheat this soup?
Reheat it slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as the flavors often improve after sitting overnight.
What can I serve as a side dish?
It pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a small piece of crusty whole-grain bread.
Can I add other vegetables to this chowder?
Certainly; celery, corn, or peas would be excellent additions to increase the vegetable content.
How do I clean the leeks?
Slice the white parts, then soak them in cold water to remove any dirt or sand trapped between the layers.
Can I make this on the stove if I don't have a slow cooker?
Yes, simmer all ingredients except the dairy in a large pot for 45-60 minutes until the barley is tender, then finish with the milk.