This Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup is the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a quick dinner on a busy weeknight. With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, this soup brings warmth to any table. It’s not just comforting; it’s also simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for family meals or gatherings with friends. Enjoy the soothing flavors of ham and potatoes in every spoonful, proving that comfort food can also be healthy and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip up this soup in just 30 minutes, making it great for busy evenings.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of honey ham and creamy potatoes creates a deliciously satisfying taste.
- Healthy Option: Low in calories but high in flavor, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the creamy texture and mild flavor, making it a hit for all ages.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup, a few essential tools will help you achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly without splattering.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware.
Ingredients
For this comforting soup, gather the following ingredients:
Vegetables and Meat
- 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)
Liquids
- 4 cups (2 15oz cans) chicken broth
- 2 cups milk, (any percentage)
Other Essentials
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup and 1 tablespoon (44g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt
How to Make Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by peeling and dicing the russet potatoes into medium-sized pieces. Chop the celery and onion into small dice.
Step 2: Cook the Base
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions and celery, cooking until they become soft, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Stir in the diced potatoes followed by the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 10 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour with milk until smooth. Gradually add this mixture into the soup while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Final Touches
Add in the diced honey ham along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine everything. Let it simmer for another couple of minutes before serving hot.
Enjoy your Easy and Comforting 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. This delicious soup pairs well with a variety of accompaniments that enhance its flavors and create a complete meal.
With Fresh Bread
- A warm, crusty baguette complements the creamy texture of the soup perfectly.
- Soft dinner rolls are ideal for dipping into the savory broth.
With a Side Salad
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness.
- A Caesar salad brings a bit of crunch that contrasts nicely with the soup.
For a Hearty Meal
- Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic comfort food pairing.
- Add stuffed baked potatoes for a filling, satisfying side.
Top it Off
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor.
- Sprinkle with cheese, such as cheddar, for an extra indulgent touch.
How to Perfect Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
To make the best Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup, follow these helpful tips. These small adjustments can take your soup from good to great.
- Use homemade broth: If you have time, using homemade chicken broth enhances the flavor significantly.
- Cut ingredients uniformly: Dicing potatoes and ham evenly ensures everything cooks at the same rate.
- Adjust seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving; add more salt or pepper if needed.
- Add vegetables: Consider including carrots or peas for added nutrition and color.
- Thicken wisely: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add more flour gradually.
- Cool before storing: If you have leftovers, let your soup cool to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain quality.
Best Side Dishes for Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Complementing your Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup with side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread topped with garlic butter adds wonderful flavor.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy texture that balances the soup’s creaminess.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring color and nutrients to your plate.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is an excellent choice that pairs well with hearty soups.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers add substance while being visually appealing.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of rich soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking Potatoes: Overcooked potatoes can turn mushy. Keep an eye on them and test for doneness after about 10 minutes of cooking.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold milk or broth can cool down your soup. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother cooking process.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoned soup can taste bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
- Skipping the Roux: A roux helps thicken the soup. Don’t skip this step; it adds flavor and texture that enhances the overall dish.
- Not Storing Properly: Improper storage can affect freshness. Use airtight containers and label your soup with the date to keep track of its shelf life.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in airtight containers.
- Will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring often, until hot throughout.
- Stovetop: Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about making Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup. Here are some answers:
Can I use leftover ham for this recipe?
Yes! Leftover ham is perfect for this soup. It adds great flavor and makes the recipe even easier.
What types of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture, but Yukon Golds also work well if you prefer a creamier soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can substitute ham with mushrooms or beans for a vegetarian option. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth as well.
How can I customize my Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or peas. You can also experiment with different spices to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup is not only a delightful meal but also versatile enough to adapt based on what you have at home. Whether you’re using leftover ham or adding extra veggies, this cozy dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Try it today, and enjoy a warm bowl of comfort!
Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup is the ultimate comforting dish to warm you up on chilly evenings. This creamy soup combines tender potatoes with savory honey ham, creating a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy your cravings. Perfect for busy weeknights, the recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. With customizable ingredients, this soup can easily be adapted to suit your tastes while remaining a healthy option. Enjoy every spoonful of this hearty meal that proves comfort food can also be nutritious!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- 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
- 2 cups milk
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by peeling and dicing the potatoes, celery, and onion.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions and celery, cooking until soft (3-5 minutes).
- Stir in the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender (about 10 minutes).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and milk until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the soup while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Add in the diced honey ham along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and let it simmer for another few minutes before serving hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
