Clams and Leeks Minestra

Clams and Leeks Minestra
posted by CrissyBear

"Minestre are soups that include pasta or rice...cooked in the minestra, so the soup is thicker."

1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1 red finger chile pepper -- seeded and chopped
2 medium leeks -- cleaned and sliced
3 6 ounce cans chopped clams -- drained (reserve juice)
2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup arborio rice
2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley

Heat a nonstick saucepan. Swirl in the oil, then add the chile pepper. Saute until it begins to sizzle, then add the leek and saute until it turns golden, 2-3 minutes. Add the clam juice, the broth and rice; bring just to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes, do not let the soup boil. Add the clams, then stir in the parsley.

This recipe serves 4
PointsPlus™ Value =

173 calories; 3.5 g fat; 16 g carb; .5 g fiber; 18 g protein.
Source: WW Simply the Best Italian

Note: You can use whole clams, simply substitute 3 dozen littleneck or mahogany clams for the canned.