SUMMER VEGETABLE CHOWDER WITH PARMESAN CROUTONS

Summer Vegetable Chowder with Parmesan Croutons image

Fresh zucchini, corn, tomatoes and basil are the stars of this quick and easy chowder, but the crunchy Parmesan-crusted croutons served alongside are real scene-stealers.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Entree

Time 1h10m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

8 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
5 cups Progresso™ chicken broth (from two 32-oz cartons)
2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 bags (10 oz each) Cascadian Farm™ frozen organic sweet corn
2 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, then into 1/4-inch slices crosswise
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup julienned fresh basil leaves
12 (1/2-inch) slices ciabatta bread
1/4 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Heat 5-quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Add bacon; cook 10 to 13 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown. Add onion; cook about 6 minutes or until softened. Sprinkle with flour; cook and stir 1 minute.
Stir in broth, potatoes, salt and pepper; heat to simmering. Reduce heat to medium; cook 10 to 15 minutes or until potatoes are just tender. Stir in frozen corn, zucchini, tomatoes, whipping cream and basil; cook 10 to 14 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Meanwhile, set oven control to Broil. Arrange ciabatta slices on ungreased large cookie sheet; brush both sides with melted butter. Broil with tops 6 inches from heat 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until lightly toasted. Sprinkle rounded tablespoon of Parmesan cheese on top of each slice. Broil 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned. Remove and place on rack to cool.
Ladle chowder into bowls; serve with croutons.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 600, Carbohydrate 59 g, Cholesterol 95 mg, Fat 5 1/2, Fiber 5 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 18 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1590 mg, Sugar 9 g, TransFat 1 g