Creamy Ham and Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
2. Cook the Soup Base:
- Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the flour is lightly browned.
3. Add Broth and Potatoes:
- Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Blend the Soup:
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. You can blend until smooth or leave some chunks for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer a portion of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
5. Add Ham and Cream:
- Stir in the diced ham, heavy cream, and milk. Heat the soup gently until it is hot but not boiling.
6. Add Cheese:
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and creamy ham and potato soup!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Calories: 400 kcal per serving (approximate)
Servings: 6-8 servings