This Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a hearty option to warm you up on a chilly day, this soup delivers both flavor and comfort. With its rich ingredients and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of ham, potatoes, and creamy broth creates a deliciously satisfying experience.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
- Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with nutritious ingredients, this soup is both filling and lower in calories compared to traditional recipes.
- Great for Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day!
Tools and Preparation
To make this easy ham and potato soup, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly without overcrowding.
- Sharp knife: Makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup:
For the Soup Base
- 3 1/2 cups (about 2 large) russet potatoes, (peeled and diced medium)
- 1 1/2 cups (9oz) cooked honey ham, (diced medium)
- 1/2 cup celery, (diced small)
- 1/2 cup onion, (diced small)
- 4 cups (2 15oz cans) chicken broth
For the Creamy Mixture
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup and 1 tablespoon (44g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk, ((any percentage))
Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt
How to Make Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by peeling and dicing your potatoes. Dice the honey ham into medium pieces as well. Chop the celery and onion into small pieces to ensure they blend well with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Ham
Stir in the diced potatoes and honey ham into the pot. Mix them with the sautéed vegetables until everything is combined.
Step 4: Incorporate Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low once boiling, cover, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Soup
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour with a little milk until smooth. Gradually add this mixture into the pot while stirring continuously. This will help thicken your soup nicely.
Step 6: Finish with Milk
Stir in the remaining milk along with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow it to heat through for another few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your comforting bowl of Easy Ham and Potato Soup!
How to Serve Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Serving Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this warm dish.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- A slice of freshly baked bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy soup.
Add a Side Salad
- A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the soup.
Top with Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, on top for added creaminess and flavor.
Serve with Crackers
- Crispy crackers add a satisfying crunch and balance the soup’s texture.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Fresh parsley or chives can enhance presentation and add a burst of freshness.
How to Perfect Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
To make your Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh potatoes, celery, and onion will enhance flavor significantly.
- Adjust seasonings – Taste the soup before serving. You can always add more salt or pepper to suit your preference.
- Cook low and slow – Allow the soup to simmer longer for deeper flavors if you have time.
- Blend for creaminess – For a smoother texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup can create a complete meal. Here are some excellent options.
- Garlic Bread – Perfectly toasted garlic bread adds flavor and is great for dipping in the soup.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – Roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers bring additional nutrients and flavors.
- Cornbread – Sweet cornbread offers a delightful complement to the savory soup.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of hearty soup.
- Stuffed Peppers – Stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa are filling companions to the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for.
- Overcooking the potatoes: If you cook the potatoes too long, they can become mushy. Aim for a tender texture by checking them after 10 minutes of simmering.
- Using too much salt: It’s tempting to add more salt for flavor, but ham can be salty already. Taste as you go, and adjust only if necessary.
- Skipping the flour: Flour helps thicken the soup. Don’t skip this step; it ensures a creamy consistency that makes the soup comforting.
- Not letting it cool before storing: If you store hot soup in airtight containers, it can create steam, leading to soggy conditions. Let it cool first!
- Failing to customize: This soup is versatile! Don’t hesitate to add vegetables like carrots or peas based on what you have available for extra nutrition.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers that allow space for expansion.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Pour the soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, usually around 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup.
Can I use leftover ham?
Yes! Leftover ham is perfect for this recipe. It adds great flavor and makes the dish even easier.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add vegetables such as carrots or corn for added nutrition and flavor without altering the core recipe.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup stores well and is ideal for meal prep. You can easily reheat portions throughout the week.
How do I adjust the consistency of my soup?
If your soup is too thick, simply add more chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience. This recipe offers warmth and satisfaction, making it perfect for any busy weeknight. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or spices to suit your taste!
Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup is the ultimate cozy dish, perfect for chilly days or busy weeknights. With a creamy texture and rich flavors, this hearty soup combines tender potatoes and savory ham in a velvety broth that warms both body and soul. In just 30 minutes, you can create a family favorite that’s not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize with your preferred vegetables and spices. Plus, it’s great for leftovers!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked honey ham (diced)
- 1/2 cup celery (diced)
- 1/2 cup onion (diced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and dice the potatoes, then chop the ham, celery, and onion into small pieces.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and celery; sauté until soft (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the diced potatoes and ham until well combined.
- Pour in the chicken broth; bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour with some milk until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the pot to thicken the soup.
- Add remaining milk, salt, and pepper to taste; heat through before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
