Description
Hearty ham and potato soup delights winter comfort food enthusiasts with its creamy richness. Simple ingredients combine for a satisfying meal that warms diners from the inside out.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Vegetables:
- 2 cups diced ham
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
Liquid and Dairy Base:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Thickeners:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and sauté diced onions, celery, and carrots until they become translucent and softened, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable mixture and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until aromatic.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring continuously to create a smooth, golden roux that coats the ingredients evenly.
- Slowly pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a silky, uniform base.
- Add cubed potatoes to the liquid, allowing them to simmer and become tender, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate diced ham into the soup, letting it warm through and infuse its smoky flavor into the broth for 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, gently stirring to combine and heating the soup until it reaches a warm, steamy temperature.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls and optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the best creamy texture and even cooking.
- Dice ham into uniform small cubes to ensure consistent flavor distribution throughout the soup.
- Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the soup from becoming too salty.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg