Ham and Potato Soup is a delicious heart-friendly soup consisting of ham, potatoes, healthy vegetables and thick broth poured over it. It takes very simple steps to complete the dish and even more simple to relish.
When the weather gets chilly and you want to feel warm and cozy inside, then you will always feel that a bowl of the home crafted Ham and Potato Soup is the best medicine. Potatoes are cut into pieces, savoury ham is added along with rich, cheesy soup making it classic, creamy broth.
Ham and Potato Soup: The Evolution
Ever since the overthrow of the roman empire, people having been adding ham and potatoes in the soup. It started with the peasants in the rural parts of the world where these two items were routinely used. Here’s a brief chronicle of its facts:
- European Background: Ham and potato soups have been well known in the countries of Europe especially in winter nations like Germany and Scandinavia. Those items were needed, filling, and healthy throughout the long winters.
- Cooking with an American Touch: As far as I know, about every country in the world has ham and potato soup and that is the American Homestyle Cooking’s favorite comfort food of the twentieth century. In many households, hams and potatoes sop were prepared using a few starchy coats.
- American Homestyle Cooking: In the U.S., ham and potato soup gained popularity in the early 20th century as a go-to comfort food. Many families relied on simple, hearty ingredients that could stretch across several meals, and this soup fit the bill.
- Variations: Over time, variations emerged. Some cooks added cheese for extra richness, while others incorporated veggies like carrots, celery, or peas.
Read more: Authentic Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup Recipe
Ingredients
The ingredients for this soup are simple, yet they come together to create a dish full of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
- 2 cups diced ham (leftover ham works great)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or any sharp cheese you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, crumbled bacon, or extra cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let me guide you through the process of creating a batch of ham and potato soup with this detailed step, by step recipe.
This recipe, for ham and potato soup offers flexibility as it can be cooked on the stove or in a cooker providing options for preferences and convenience, in preparation methods. Here are the steps to make it using either cooking method.
Stovetop Method:
Step 1
First step cooking process involves heating butter in a pot, on heat before adding chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent for approximately 4 to 4 minutes or so; then add the garlic and continue cooking for one more minute.
Step 2
Cook the potatoes and ham by putting the potatoes and ham into the pot, along, with the chicken broth; bring it to a boil and then simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are soft.
Step 3
Prepare the Cheese Sauce; As the potatoes and ham are cooking away nicely on one side of the stove take another pan. Melt the remaining butter, in it gently over heat. Add the flour to make a roux and cook it for a minute or two until it turns into a paste. Slowly pour in the milk or cream while whisked continuously until the mixture thickens up nicely. Finally add in the shredded cheese. Keep stirring until it melts completely and becomes velvety smooth.
Step 4
After the potatoes have softened up nicely in the pot of soup and become tender, to the touch gradually incorporate the cheese sauce while stirring gently. Blend everything together thoroughly. Allow the soup to simmer for a 5 minutes to let all the flavours meld together perfectly. Season, with the amount of salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Ladle the soup into bowls. Add your toppings such, as green onions or grated cheese, for extra taste and crunchiness.
Crock Pot Method:
Step 1.
In your crock pot, place the diced potatoes, ham, onions, and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and cover.
Step 2.
If you are using a crock pot that has a low setting, cook it for 6-8 hours until potatoes are done on low. For high settings cook it for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
Step 3.
Do as for the stovetop method, melt some butter, stir in some flour, and whisk in milk or cream. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted.
Step 4.
Stir in the cheese sauce to the crock pot about 30 minutes before serving. Mix well and allow heating through.
Step 5.
Once everything has heated and melded, serve from the crock pot directly. Garnish and enjoy. Add more salt if necessary.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Family Friendly: This Recipe Serves a family of four, or two adults with leftovers for the next day! It works out very cost effective and filling because you are able to use up any ham and potatoes that were leftover.
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the recipe by adding extra veggies, using different cheeses, or even swapping ham for bacon or sausage.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and it’s a perfect candidate for freezing. Just be sure to store it without the cheese sauce, adding that when you reheat it to prevent the dairy from separating.
Nutritional Value of Ham and Potato Soup
This hearty ham and potato soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and cream used.
- Protein: 20-25 grams, primarily from the ham and cheese.
- Fat: 15-20 grams, with variations based on the type of milk or cream used.
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams, mostly from the potatoes.
- Fiber: 3-4 grams, thanks to the potatoes and any additional vegetables.
- Vitamins and Minerals: This soup is a good source of calcium (from the cheese), potassium (from the potatoes), and vitamin C (from the onions and garlic).
Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to enjoy with your family, this cheesy ham and potato soup recipe is sure to be a hit.Try this delicious recipe today, and tell us why it’s become a beloved comfort food favourite in households around the world!
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