Potato & Ham Soup

Potato & Ham Soup

     Who doesn't love a soup?!  What's even better - this soup is easy to make.  I do pressure can my ham stock so that its readily available.  If you don't have the time to can homemade ham stock then cook your ham bone and continue on with this recipe.  IF you taste your soup and it's lacking 'depth of flavor', add chili powder!! It's not an 'in your face' taste - it deepens the ham flavor and soup.  I do add chili powder and lemon juice to my homemade ham stock as its being made, if you don't follow my recipe for ham stock then, you will probably want to add some chili powder directly to this soup...add a small amount, it will make a difference.
​Enjoy! Diane 
     
INGREDIENTS

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter 
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup carrots,  peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup celery, sliced
• 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced into bite sized pieces
• 4 cloves garlic minced or finely chopped
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced 
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 
• 2 cups homemade ham stock
• up to 2 teaspoons chili powder, or to taste
• 3 cups milk
• kosher salt, to taste  
• black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

• Heat the butter in a pot over medium heat. Saute the onion, carrots, celery until softened. (about 5 minutes).
• Add the ham and potatoes, cook for 2 minutes, then add in the garlic. 
•  Saute the garlic for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, (do not scorch).
• Mix the flour in and cook for 2 minutes.
• Stir in ham stock and milk. 
• Increase the heat and bring to a boil until potatoes are fork tender, about 10-12 minutes. *If you have time and want the soup to sit and simmer longer, bring the pot up to a boil, then lower to low and let cook on low, covered for 2 hours. Make sure to check potatoes often for doneness and stir soup so it doesn't scorch.  Once the potatoes are where you like them, set the heat to warm.  
• Taste test and season with more chili powder, salt and pepper, if desired.
• Serve hot.

NOTE:  HOMEMADE HAM STOCK

• You can make your own ham stock for this soup using a leftover ham bone.
• Don't throw away your ham bone!!  I always vac seal and freeze our leftover ham-bones until I have time to make a soup. I have a favorite process for making my ham stock - see my recipe here:    Diane's Homemade Ham Stock 

SOUP THICKNESS TIP:

• If your soup is too thick once it's finished, simply add more milk or ham stock in 1/4 cup increments until reaching your desired consistency.
• If your soup is not thick enough to your liking, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch together with 2 tablespoons of extra milk or ham stock. Pour the mixture into the soup and allow to boil for a few minutes to thicken, while stirring. Repeat for an even thicker soup!