Creamy Ham & Potato Delight

$To make a great Ham & Potato Soup, you need these key items: - 2 cups diced cooked ham - 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended) - 2 cups whole milk (or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk) - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish These ingredients create a warm, creamy base that comforts every bite. You can adjust this recipe to your taste. Here are some fun additions: - Cooked bacon for extra crunch - Fresh herbs like chives or dill for brightness - A dash of hot sauce for some heat - Different types of cheese like gouda or mozzarella - Other veggies like broccoli or bell peppers Feel free to mix and match these to make it your own. To whip up this soup, gather these tools: - A large pot for cooking - A cutting board and knife for chopping - A wooden spoon for stirring - Measuring cups for accuracy - A ladle for serving Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by warming 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and cook it for about 3-4 minutes. You want it to be soft and slightly golden. Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir for about a minute. This step builds a strong flavor base for your soup. Now, it's time for the potatoes. Add 4 peeled and cubed medium potatoes to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Make sure the potatoes are covered. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You want the potatoes to be fork-tender, which means they should break easily when you poke them. Once the potatoes are soft, it's time to add more flavor. Stir in 2 cups of diced cooked ham, 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Let this simmer for another 5 minutes. Then, gradually pour in 2 cups of whole milk while stirring. This makes the soup creamy. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Now, remove the pot from heat and mix in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts and blends well. Lastly, add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Your soup is ready to serve! To make your soup creamy, add milk slowly. Stir well after each addition. This helps to blend the milk nicely. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes. Watch it closely as it thickens. If it's too thick, add more broth or milk. For a richer taste, use whole milk or a dairy-free option like almond milk. Don't skip the seasoning! Add salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, try adding smoked paprika and thyme. These spices add depth and warmth. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for a kick. Fresh herbs, like parsley, make a great garnish. They add color and fresh taste. One common mistake is overcooking the potatoes. Cook them until fork-tender, but not mushy. Another mistake is not letting the soup simmer enough. This allows flavors to meld together. Lastly, don’t forget to taste as you go. Adjust seasoning to your liking for the best result. Pro Tips Use Leftover Ham: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover holiday ham, adding both flavor and reducing waste. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite frozen or fresh vegetables for a personalized touch. Thicken the Soup: For a thicker consistency, blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot before adding the cheese. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano for a unique flavor profile in your creamy dish. {{image_4}} You can make a vegetarian version of this soup. Replace the ham with mushrooms for a savory bite. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For creaminess, substitute whole milk with almond milk or any other plant-based milk. This keeps the soup creamy and rich without using dairy. Feel free to mix in other vegetables. Carrots, celery, and green beans work well. You can also add corn for sweetness. If you want to switch up the meat, try using smoked turkey or chicken instead of ham. Each meat adds a unique flavor to the dish. To add heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also sprinkle in cayenne pepper for a kick. If you like a smoky flavor, add extra smoked paprika. This twist makes the soup exciting and warms you up on cold days. Store leftover ham and potato soup in a sealed container. Let it cool down first. Place it in your fridge for up to three days. If you want to eat it later, check for any signs of spoilage before reheating. You can freeze the soup for a longer shelf life. Use an airtight container or freezer bags. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. It can last for about three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For the best results, reheat the soup on the stove. Pour it into a pot over medium heat. Stir often until it's hot. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of milk if the soup seems too thick. Enjoy your comforting meal! You can store Ham & Potato Soup in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to place it in a sealed container to keep it fresh. The flavors will blend nicely over time. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Yes, you can make Ham & Potato Soup in a slow cooker. Start by sautéing the onion and garlic in a pan. Then, add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Set it on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This method makes it easy and allows the flavors to develop. You can serve Ham & Potato Soup with warm crusty bread or a fresh salad. Grilled cheese sandwiches pair well too. For a touch of fun, add some crackers on the side. These sides make the meal even more comforting and delightful. Ham and potato soup is a tasty dish. I covered essential ingredients, cooking steps, and tips. You learned how to customize and store your soup too. Remember, drying garlic can make your soup bland; don’t skip that step. Whether you want a classic or spicy twist, you can make it your own. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor every bite!$

A comforting and creamy soup made with ham, potatoes, and vegetables.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups diced cooked ham
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the pot, stirring continuously for about a minute until it releases its aromatic fragrance.
Introduce the cubed potatoes into the pot and pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the potatoes are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Once the potatoes are soft, incorporate the diced ham, frozen mixed vegetables, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes to combine flavors.
Gradually pour in the whole milk, stirring well to incorporate it into the soup. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly and develop a creamy texture.
Remove the pot from heat, and then gently fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts and creates a luscious, creamy base.
Season the dish with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, adjusting these to suit your personal preference.
Serve the creamy delight hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top for a vibrant touch.

Notes

For an elegant touch, ladle the soup into rustic bowls and add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before serving. Pair with warm crusty bread for a comforting meal experience.

Keyword comfort food, creamy, ham, potatoes, soup