why make this recipe
Ham and Potato Soup is a delicious and comforting dish perfect for cold days or any time you need a warm meal. This soup is not only tasty but also a great way to use up leftover ham. It combines hearty ingredients, making it filling and satisfying. The creamy texture paired with the savory flavors makes it a favorite for many families. Plus, it’s simple to make, which is ideal for busy weeknights.
how to make Ham and Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover ham, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add the diced ham and potatoes, followed by the chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in the milk or cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
how to serve Ham and Potato Soup
Serve Ham and Potato Soup warm in bowls. It pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. You can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a nice touch and extra flavor. Enjoy it with family and friends for a cozy gathering.
how to store Ham and Potato Soup
To store Ham and Potato Soup, let it cool completely and then transfer it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container since soup expands when frozen.
tips to make Ham and Potato Soup
- For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes after cooking.
- Experiment with different vegetables like corn or green beans for added flavor.
- Adjust the cream or milk amount to your preferred creaminess.
- Feel free to add herbs like thyme or bay leaves to enrich the flavor.
variation (if any)
You can try using different types of meat, such as turkey or chicken, instead of ham. For a vegetarian version, replace the ham with extra vegetables or beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add cheese for a richer taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh ham instead of leftover ham?
Yes, you can use fresh ham, but you may need to cook it longer to ensure it’s tender.
2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
3. How can I make this soup spicier?
You can add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give it a spicy kick.
Ham and Potato Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover ham, diced Use any type of ham you prefer.
- 4 cups chicken broth Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
- 2 cups potatoes, diced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well.
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk or cream Adjust according to preference for creaminess.
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley Add as a garnish before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add the diced ham and potatoes, followed by the chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in the milk or cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.