Corn Chowder with Shrimp

Serves 6
Make a creamy corn chowder even better with the addition of fresh shrimp, carrot, and red bell pepper.
4        cups low-sodium chicken broth
2        16-ounce  bags frozen corn
1        onion, finely chopped
1        red bell pepper, seeded and diced
2        carrots, cut into 1/4-inch rounds
2        russet potatoes, diced
1        bay leaf
Salt and pepper
1         pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2      cup heavy cream, optional
1/4     cup chopped fresh parsley

1. Combine chicken broth, corn, onion, bell pepper, carrots, potatoes, bay leaf, 1 cup water and 1 tsp. salt in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low until vegetables are tender, about 6 hours.

2. Puree 3 cups of soup in a blender and return to slow cooker. Stir in shrimp. Cover and cook until shrimp are pink and firm, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in cream, if desired, and cook until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with parsley and serve.
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