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Ham and Potato Soup

Ham and Potato Soup

Cozy and comforting Ham and Potato Soup made with tender ham, creamy potatoes, and a rich broth. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients, minimal prep, and delivers warm, hearty flavors perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a satisfying comfort meal.

Ingredients

Meat

  • Diced leftover cooked ham or store-bought ham steak – about 2 cups

Vegetables

  • Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes – 4 medium, peeled and cubed
  • Onion – 1 medium, chopped
  • Carrots – 2 medium, chopped
  • Celery stalks – 2, chopped
  • Garlic cloves – 2, minced

Liquids

  • Chicken or vegetable broth – 4 cups
  • Milk or cream – 1 to 1 ½ cups

Fats and Thickeners

  • Butter – 2 tablespoons
  • All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons

Seasonings

  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste
  • Dried thyme – 1 teaspoon
  • Bay leaf – 1

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the ham into bite-sized pieces. Peel and cube the potatoes. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and mince the garlic to ensure smooth cooking without interruptions.
  2. Sauté Your Vegetables: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir constantly for another 2 minutes to create a light roux that will gently thicken the soup.
  4. Pour in Broth and Add Potatoes: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth to avoid lumps. Add the cubed potatoes and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for around 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  5. Incorporate Ham and Seasonings: Add the diced ham, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. Add Milk or Cream: Slowly stir in the milk or cream and heat gently without boiling to prevent curdling. Adjust seasoning as needed and remove the bay leaf before serving.

Notes

  • Use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russets for creamy texture.
  • Keep heat low after adding dairy to avoid curdling the milk or cream.
  • Simmer ham bones in broth when possible for extra smoky flavor.
  • Mash some potatoes in the soup for added thickness without extra flour.
  • Season gradually, tasting frequently to avoid over-salting from ham and broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham soup, potato soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, hearty soup, creamy soup