Holiday Ham Soup
A comforting and hearty soup featuring diced ham, vegetables, and a rich creamy broth, perfect for holiday gatherings or chilly nights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup diced ham This is the star ingredient!
- 2 cups potatoes, diced They provide a satisfying texture.
- 1 cup onions, chopped Essential for a good flavor foundation.
- 1 cup carrots, sliced Adds sweetness and color.
- 1 cup celery, chopped Gives the soup crunch and freshness.
- 4 cups chicken broth Creates a lovely comforting broth.
- 1 cup heavy cream Adds a velvety texture.
- to taste salt and pepper Enhances all the flavors.
- to taste optional herbs (like thyme or parsley) Fresh or dried herbs can elevate the flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by getting your pot nice and warm over medium heat.
- Add a splash of olive oil to your large pot. Once it’s shimmering, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery.
- Sauté these until they’re softened and fragrant.
Cooking
- Add the diced ham and potatoes to the pot, stirring until the ham gets a little toasty.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a lively boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Let it simmer for another 5 minutes without boiling.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into warm bowls and optionally sprinkle with fresh herbs for presentation.
Notes
For extra depth of flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. If you want a thicker soup, mash a portion of the potatoes with a fork. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors beautifully.