Vegetable Chowder

Instead of 1/4 cup butter and 1/2-pint heavy cream, as in the original version, this new light one has only 1 Tablespoon butter, no cream, and the option of low-fat milk. It still tastes luxurious.Try not to shy away from the full amount of garlic. It gives the soup a rich flavor and is surprisingly smooth and subtle.

1 Tablespoon butter
2 cups chopped onion
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoons thyme
2 teaspoons basil
1 medium potato, diced
2 medium stalks celery, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 cups chopped broccoli
2 cups chopped cauliflower
1/2 lb. mushrooms, chopped
2 cups corn (frozen-defrosted is fine)
lots of fresh black pepper
1-1/2 cups water
optional: minced fresh herbs (chives, basil, marjoram)

1. Melt the butter in a kettle or Dutch oven. Add onion, half the garlic, salt, thyme, and basil. Sauté over medium heat 5 minutes. Add potato, celery, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower. Sauté another 5 to 8 minutes. Add mushrooms and corn, plus lots of black pepper. Sauté another 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Add water, cover, and simmer about 15 minutes, or until everything is tender. (Make sure the potatoes are done.)
3. Stir in hot milk and remaining garlic. Remove from heat until about 10 minutes before serving time, then heat gently.
Serve topped with freshly minced herbs.
Makes 8 servings. (Can easily be halved)