Description
Comforting ham and potato soup embodies hearty midwestern cuisine with rich, creamy flavors. Simple ingredients combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups ham, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
Seasoning and Thickening Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add cubed ham and diced potatoes to the pot, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour evenly over the mixture, carefully coating the ham and potatoes while stirring to create a light roux and prevent lumps.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly to integrate the liquid smoothly with the flour-coated ingredients.
- Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and let the soup cook for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes become fork-tender and soft.
- Pour in milk or cream, stirring gently to incorporate without causing the liquid to separate or curdle.
- Warm the soup through on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring it remains just below boiling point.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and serve immediately for optimal flavor and temperature.
Notes
- Swap regular milk with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives for dairy-sensitive individuals.
- Dice ham into smaller pieces for more even distribution and better texture throughout the soup.
- Add a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese on top for extra richness and depth of flavor.
- Enhance nutritional value by including chopped carrots or celery during the initial sautéing stage for added vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg