I can’t even begin to explain how much joy a warm bowl of Creamy Ham & Potato Soup brings into my life. This soup is like a big hug in a bowl, and trust me, there’s nothing better than curling up on a chilly evening with a steaming ladle of this deliciousness. My fondest memory of this soup goes back to a cold winter day when I returned home from a long day at work, weary and just wanting some comfort food. It was then that I made this recipe for the first time, and it instantly became my go-to for cozy evenings.
The beauty of this soup lies in its creamy texture, the heartiness of the ham, and the comforting flavor of the potatoes. And let’s be real, you can never go wrong with some heavy cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. So, grab your favorite pot, and let’s dive into this dish that warms not just your stomach but your spirit as well!
What’s in Creamy Ham & Potato Soup?
Diced Ham: The star of the show! I usually pick up a nice, quality ham from the deli section for that rich flavor. If you have leftover holiday ham, this is the perfect recipe to use it!
Potatoes: I love using Yukon Gold or Russet for this soup; they give a creamy texture and delicious flavor when cooked. Make sure to peel and dice them into bite-sized chunks!
Carrots: They add a lovely sweetness and vibrant color. Who doesn’t love a pop of orange in their soup?
Onion: A must-have aromatic for almost any dish, onions add a savory depth that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
Garlic: Because everything is better with garlic! It seriously amps up the flavor profile in the most delightful way.
Chicken Broth: This is the base that brings everything together. I often opt for low-sodium broth, so I can control the saltiness.
Heavy Cream: The creaminess factor! It makes this soup decadent and rich. Don’t skimp on this ingredient; it’s worth every calorie!
Olive Oil: A light drizzle is all you need to sauté the veggies to perfection.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate the flavor of the soup. Always season to taste!
Dried Thyme: This herb is a warm, earthy flavor that complements the ham beautifully.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle on top adds a fresh note and brightens up the presentation!
Is Creamy Ham & Potato Soup Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest, it’s not exactly a salad, but it does have its merits!
The base of the soup – the **potatoes**, **carrots**, and **onion** – are packed with vitamins, particularly Vitamin C and potassium from the potatoes, while the **carrots** offer a boost in beta carotene. You get some protein from the **ham**, which is beneficial for muscle repair and satiety.
However, keep in mind the **heavy cream** does add calories and fat, so if you’re watching your intake, you might want to play around with half-and-half or even coconut milk as a lighter alternative. Just don’t tell my grandma I said that – she believes heavy cream is a food group all on its own!
Ingredients
– 1 lb diced ham
– 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 medium carrots, sliced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Fresh parsley for garnish
This recipe serves about 4-6 people, depending on how hungry you are. Seriously, it’s hard to resist a second bowl!
How to Make Creamy Ham & Potato Soup?
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **diced onion** and **garlic**, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant. You’ll know it’s time to move on when your kitchen starts smelling heavenly!
2. Toss in the **diced ham** and cook until it’s lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds depth and flavor – trust me, it’s worth it!
3. Stir in the **diced potatoes** and **sliced carrots**, melding all the ingredients together nicely.
4. Pour in the **chicken broth** and add the **dried thyme**. Bring this lovely concoction to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the **potatoes** and **carrots** are tender.
5. Once those veggies are soft and cozy, stir in the **heavy cream** and season with **salt and pepper** to taste. Let it heat through for an additional 5 minutes, and oh boy, it’ll be hard to not just drink it straight from the pot!
6. Remove from heat and ladle the soup into rustic bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped **parsley** before serving.
Perfect Pairings for a Cozy Night
I can’t stress enough how wonderful this soup is when paired with a slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette for dipping. If you want to get a bit creative, croutons or shredded cheese on top could add an interesting twist! And if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some diced celery or a bay leaf during that simmering phase for an extra flavor kick.
So there you have it, my dear friends! I encourage you to give this Creamy Ham & Potato Soup a try. It’s a classic that never fails to bring warmth and comfort – perfect for sharing with family, friends, or even just savoring all on your own. Once you taste it, I promise you’ll be thinking about it on cold nights to come. Happy cooking!
