Description
Comforting creamy-ham-and-potato-soup brings warmth to cold evenings with its rich, velvety texture. Hearty chunks of ham and tender potatoes combine in a silky broth that feels like a culinary hug, inviting you to savor each spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs potatoes
- 1 lb ham
- 1 cup heavy cream
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
Liquid and Thickening Agents:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Peel and dice potatoes into uniform cubes, ensuring consistent cooking and texture throughout the soup.
- Finely chop onions and mince garlic to release their aromatic flavors and create a robust base for the soup.
- Cut ham into small, bite-sized pieces that will distribute evenly and provide hearty protein in each spoonful.
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, creating a golden foundation for sautéing aromatics.
- Sauté onions until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes, then add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the aromatic mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux that will help thicken the soup.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky consistency.
- Add diced potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Stir in diced ham and let it warm through for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently to incorporate and create a luxurious, velvety texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, ensuring a balanced and rich flavor profile.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or cracked black pepper.
Notes
- Dice potatoes precisely to ensure uniform cooking and create a consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Chop ham into small, even pieces to distribute protein evenly and enhance each spoonful’s heartiness.
- Use fresh thyme for a more vibrant and aromatic flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
- Experiment with low-fat alternatives like milk or half-and-half for a lighter version of the soup that still maintains creamy richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg