Description
Hearty ham and potato soup delivers comfort in a bowl, perfect for chilly days. Creamy broth, tender potatoes, and savory ham create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 potatoes (about 3–4 medium russet or Yukon Gold, diced)
- 1 1/2 cups ham (leftover ham or ham steak, diced)
- 2 medium carrots (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or ham broth)
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- In a spacious cooking vessel, melt butter over medium heat (around 350°F). Introduce diced onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors without burning.
- Add diced potatoes, cubed ham, thyme, and bay leaf to the vegetable mixture. Pour chicken broth into the pot, allowing ingredients to combine.
- Elevate heat to bring liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and let contents cook for 15-18 minutes until potatoes reach a fork-tender consistency.
- Create a smooth thickening agent by whisking flour with a small portion of milk, forming a silky slurry without lumps.
- Gradually introduce the flour mixture into the simmering soup, stirring continuously to prevent clumping. Pour remaining milk and heavy cream, blending thoroughly.
- Continue simmering for 4-6 minutes, allowing soup to develop a rich, creamy texture. Stir periodically to prevent scorching.
- Extract bay leaf and discard. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance overall flavor profile.
- Ladle into warmed serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Use leftover holiday ham for an economical and flavorful twist on this comforting recipe.
- Substitute milk with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version of the soup.
- Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced zucchini or spinach during the simmering process.
- 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: 580 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg