Spring Chicken Soup

There's no season to chicken soup, but if you're looking for a lighter, fresher version, this spring chicken soup will fit the bill.

Serves 4 (7 WW SP per serving)

NI: cal 295; fat 12.2g (sat 2.8g); fiber 4g; sugars 6g; prot 32g; carb 14g)

1 1/2 tbs canola oil, divided

1 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces

1 cup thinly sliced leeks

1 cup carrots, thinly sliced on the diagonal

1 cup celery, thinly sliced

3 large sprigs fresh thyme

4 cups low sodium chicken stock

salt and pepper to taste

3 cups torn, red leaf lettuce (or romaine or kale)

1 cup frozen green peas, thawed

1 oz shaved parmigiana cheese

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add 1 1/2 tsp oil, swirling to coat. Add chicken and cook about 6 minutes or until browned. Remove from pan.

Add remaining 1 tbs oil to Dutch oven, swirling to coat. Add leek, carrot, and celery and saute about 5 minutes. Add stock and thyme and bring to a boil. Cover, lower heat, and cook about 8 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Remove thyme. Stir in chicken and salt and pepper to taste. Cook 3 minutes.

Remove pan from heat and stir in the lettuce. Place 1 1/2 cups soup in each of 4 bowls and top with the cheese. 

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TASTE NOTES

This soup came together very quickly and was fresh and delicious. I must admit I left out the peas because I just don't like them. Every bit as satisfying as my usual recipe for chicken soup, but lighter without sacrificing taste.