Hearty Potato and Ham Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Hearty Potato and Ham Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days. This creamy, savory soup is rich in flavor and texture, making it a family favorite that's sure to warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients for Hearty Potato and Ham Soup

Russet potatoes are the backbone of this soup, providing a creamy texture when cooked. Smoked ham adds depth and a delightful savory note that pairs perfectly with the mild potatoes. Onion and garlic enhance the flavor base, offering a subtle sweetness and aroma. Chicken broth acts as the flavorful liquid that ties everything together. Whole milk and heavy cream give the soup its creamy, luscious consistency. A touch of butter, salt, and pepper round out the flavors, while fresh parsley adds a hint of brightness at the end.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes before adding the milk and cream.
  • For an extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika as a seasoning.
  • Make sure your soup doesn't boil after adding the milk and cream to prevent curdling.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty loaf of bread or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a savory scone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Can I freeze this soup?
Since it contains cream, it might separate upon thawing. If you do freeze it, stir well while reheating.
What can I use instead of ham?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Hearty Potato and Ham Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by melting your butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, throw in the onion and garlic. Stir them around until they become fragrant and the onions are translucent—this should take about 5 minutes.

Add in your diced ham and let it cook for about 3 minutes. The idea here is to get everything mingling and the ham slightly caramelized.

Now, sprinkle the flour over this mixture and stir well for a minute. This creates a roux, which will help thicken your soup later on.

Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring this to a gentle simmer.

Add the potatoes, along with the salt and pepper. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Once the potatoes are ready, lower the heat and stir in the milk and heavy cream. Keep the soup on a low simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find.
  • Rich and creamy texture without being heavy.
  • Perfect for using up leftover ham.
  • Ready in under an hour, making it great for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 lb smoked ham, diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the diced ham and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
4. Gradually add the chicken broth, and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the potatoes, salt, and pepper.
6. Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
7. Lower the heat and stir in the milk and heavy cream.
8. Simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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