Healthy soup anyone??

I love soup! I'm always on the hunt for a good soup recipe and this is a dandy!! I got this from Elle Krieger on the Food Network and its packed with good, fresh, ingredients. The best part is that its nutritious, delicious and simple to make! Have fun and healthy eating!!

NEW JERSEY CLAM CHOWDER!
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (heat in your soup pot).
2 ozs Canadian bacon or lean smoked ham - diced.
1 large onion (about 2 cups) - diced.
3 stalks celery - diced.
Add the above to the heated olive oil and saute 5 or 6 minutes.
4 cups diced red potatoes - add to veggies to saute.
2 pounds chopped clams* in natural juice (found in freezer section by the fish) - drain but reserve liquid.
Add clams to pot.
Add reserved liquid plus enough water to cover potatoes - 1 cup or so (could use chicken broth in place of water).
Add 1 tsp thyme.
Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes.

* Clams are an excellent protein source and boost the immune system. They are also loaded with vitamin B12 which is good for our cardiovascular (heart) health!

Break off a chunk of hearty whole-grain bread, finish with a fresh fruit and you have a complete meal! Protein (clams), veggies, carbohydrate (bread) and fruit. Plus you get the added bonus of the, cholesterol lowering, olive oil!

That's it! Quick, simple and delicious! Happy, healthy eating!!