Description
Hearty ham and potato soup delivers comfort in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings. Creamy potatoes and savory ham mingle with herbs, creating a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor spoonful by spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
Vegetables:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
Liquid and Dairy:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings and Thickeners:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooked and crumbled bacon
- Green onions
Instructions
- Warm butter in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high heat, gently sautéing onion, garlic, celery, and carrots until they transform into a soft, aromatic medley (approximately 5 minutes).
- Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth base, and cook for roughly 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Gradually incorporate chicken broth, whisking methodically to prevent lumps and create a silky foundation for the soup.
- Introduce diced potatoes, cooked ham, thyme, salt, and pepper into the liquid, allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld together for 15-20 minutes until potatoes reach a tender consistency.
- Pour in milk or heavy cream, gently heating through to create a luxurious, creamy texture. If desired, fold in sour cream for additional richness.
- Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings to personal preference. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with optional toppings such as sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, freshly chopped green onions, and vibrant parsley.
Notes
- Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamier, smoother soup texture that holds its shape during cooking.
- Dice ham and vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the soup.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with whole milk or use a low-fat alternative without compromising the rich taste.
- Enhance the soup’s depth by using homemade chicken broth or adding a splash of white wine during the sautéing stage for extra complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg