Ham And Potato Soup Recipe

Looking for the perfect comfort food to warm you up on chilly days? This Ham and Potato Soup recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With its rich, creamy texture and savory ham chunks combined with soft, tender potatoes, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Read on for the full recipe, detailed cooking instructions, and tips to make your soup perfect every time. Let’s dive in and start cooking!

What is Ham and Potato Soup?

Ham and Potato Soup is a creamy, hearty soup made with diced ham and tender potatoes. It’s a comfort dish that combines the flavors of savory ham, velvety cream, and mild potatoes into a meal that warms the body and soul. This soup is perfect for family dinners, quick lunches, or even special occasions when you want something rich and satisfying. The best part? It uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or fridge.

Ingredients List for Ham and Potato Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare this delightful soup. Make sure to gather all the ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smoother:

• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 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
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• ½ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional topping)
• Cooked and crumbled bacon (optional topping)
• Green onions (optional topping)

These basic ingredients come together to create a flavorful and creamy soup. The ham adds a salty, savory bite, while the potatoes bring comforting bulk, and the vegetables help add layers of flavor and nutrition.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile, and there are plenty of substitutions or variations you can make depending on your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.

• Ham: If you don’t have ham on hand, you can substitute it with bacon, turkey, or even leftover chicken. You can also use smoked sausage for a spicier kick.
• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are perfect for this recipe because they break down and help thicken the soup, but you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly different texture.
• Milk or Cream: For a dairy-free option, substitute the milk or cream with coconut milk or almond milk. If you want a richer soup, use heavy cream instead of milk.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, peas, or leeks for extra flavor and texture.
• Broth: Chicken broth is a classic choice, but you can also use vegetable broth or even ham stock for a deeper flavor.
• Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply omit the flour or replace it with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started with this easy and delicious Ham and Potato Soup recipe. Follow these steps for perfect results:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by prepping all your ingredients. Peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onion, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic. Also, dice the cooked ham and set everything aside in separate bowls.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is hot, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Add the Flour

Next, sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. This will create a roux that will help thicken the soup. Cook the flour for 2-3 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.

Step 4: Add Broth and Potatoes

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps from forming. Once the broth is fully incorporated, add the diced potatoes, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well, then bring the soup to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Add the Ham and Milk

Once the potatoes are cooked through and tender, stir in the diced ham and 1 cup of milk (or cream for a richer soup). If you’re using sour cream for extra creaminess, stir that in as well. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes to heat the ham through and let the flavors meld.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a little more thyme for flavor. Once everything is perfectly seasoned, your soup is ready to serve!

How to Cook Ham and Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sauté the vegetables: Begin by softening the onions, celery, and carrots in butter. This creates a flavor-packed base for your soup.
2. Make the roux: Add flour to the vegetables and cook it briefly to thicken the soup.
3. Simmer the potatoes: Add the potatoes and broth, then cook until the potatoes are tender.
4. Add the ham and milk: Stir in the ham and milk to finish off the soup with rich, creamy flavors.
5. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste your soup and season to perfection before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not cooking the flour long enough: When adding flour to the vegetables, make sure you cook it for at least 2-3 minutes to avoid a raw flour taste in the soup.
• Overcooking the potatoes: Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, or they will turn mushy and disintegrate into the soup. Cook them just until they are fork-tender.
• Underseasoning: Don’t forget to taste your soup as you go and adjust the seasoning. The broth and ham both contribute salt, so start with less salt and add more as needed.
• Using cold milk or cream: Cold dairy products can cause the soup to curdle. Always warm the milk or cream slightly before adding it to the hot soup.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Ham and Potato Soup is ready, you can make it look even more appetizing with some simple garnishes and serving ideas.

How to Serve Ham and Potato Soup

• Bowl or Bread Bowl: Serve the soup in large bowls, or for a rustic touch, hollow out a loaf of sourdough bread and serve the soup in a bread bowl.
• Toppings: Offer toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream on the side so everyone can customize their bowl.

Presentation Ideas for Ham and Potato Soup

• Fresh Herbs: Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or thyme to add a pop of color.
• Cheese Drizzle: After serving the soup, drizzle a little bit of melted cheddar cheese on top for a gooey and indulgent finish.
• Bacon Crumble: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top of the soup for added crunch and flavor contrast.

Ham and Potato Soup Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: When reheating, gently warm the soup over low heat and stir occasionally. Avoid boiling it, especially if you’ve used cream, to prevent curdling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use leftover ham for this recipe?

Absolutely! This soup is a great way to use up leftover holiday ham. Just dice it into bite-sized pieces and add it in.

Can I make this soup without cream?

Yes! You can skip the cream for a lighter soup or use a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk or coconut milk.

How can I thicken the soup without flour?

If you prefer not to use flour, you can mash some of the potatoes after they’ve cooked to naturally thicken the soup.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the milk and ham in the last 30 minutes.

Conclusion

There you have it—an easy and delicious Ham and Potato Soup recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or something to use up leftover ham, this soup is sure to satisfy. With simple ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and a few helpful tips, you’ll be serving up a hearty bowl of soup in no time. Be sure to try the substitutions and variations to make it your own!

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