Easy And Comforting Ham And Potato Soup Recipe

I love this ham and potato soup because it feels like a warm hug on a chilly night. The mix of hearty ham, vibrant veggies, and tender potatoes creates a flavor-packed experience, while the creamy milk ties everything together without overwhelming. It’s a straightforward meal that delivers comfort and satisfaction when I need it most.

I love making this easy and comforting ham and potato soup because its both healthy and satisfying. I first heat up 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot and sauté 1 medium chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until they soften and turn aromatic.

Then I add in 2 diced carrots and 2 diced celery stalks, which provide essential vitamins and add a slight sweetness. I stir in 3 cups of diced cooked ham, giving the dish its unique flavor profile and protein punch.

Next, I add 4 cups of peeled and cubed potatoes and a bay leaf, then pour 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth into the mix. Once the soup simmers, I finish it off with 1 cup of low fat milk, which keeps the calories down while adding creaminess.

I season with salt and pepper and sometimes sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for an extra pop of color. This recipe is a true winner on busy weeknights when you need a wholesome meal.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a few reasons. First, I like how it brings comfort in every bowl. The mix of tender potatoes, savory ham, and simple seasonings makes me feel like i’m eating a warm hug on a cold day. Second, its super easy to make. Even when i’m really busy, I can whip up this soup without any fancy steps or ingredients – it’s simple and it always turns out great. Third, I appreciate that its a healthy option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. I feel good knowing i’m eating something home-cooked that’s both nutritious and filling. Lastly, the aroma that fills my kitchen while making this soup is just amazing – it makes me really excited to sit down and enjoy my meal.

Ingredients

• Olive oil add healthy fats with a subtle fruity base for light, smooth flavor.
• Onions provides fiber and vitamins while adding natural sweetness for balanced flavor.
• Garlic bring a punch of flavor and antioxidants that boosts immunity during cooking.
• Carrots offers beta carotene and crunch, balancing savory ham with slight natural sweetness.
• Ham provide hearty protein and smoky taste that makes the soup extra satisfying.
• Potatoes supplies complex carbohydrates, adding creaminess and thick texture for warmth.
• Milk lends a gentle creaminess and light sweetness, it rounds out the savory broth.
• Chicken broth delivers rich flavor and moisture, blending all ingredients effortlessly.
• Celery offers crunch and vitamins, lifting the flavor with a fresh, crisp bite.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cups cooked ham, diced
• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 3-4 medium)
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup low fat milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make this

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

2. Stir in the diced carrots and celery and let them cook for about 4 minutes more until they start to get tender.

3. Add the diced cooked ham into the pot and stir for another minute just to warm it up.

4. Toss in the cubed potatoes and drop in the bay leaf, then pour in the low sodium chicken broth.

5. Bring the soup up to a boil then lower the heat to let it simmer for around 20 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.

6. Stir in the low fat milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Keep the soup on a gentle heat so the milk doesnt curdle by avoiding another rapid boil.

8. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, stirring well so all the flavors mix.

9. Remove the bay leaf and ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley if you like.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot – needed for heating oil and simmering all the ingredients
2. Chef’s knife – used to chop the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, and ham
3. Cutting board – for safely cutting all your veggies and ham
4. Measuring spoons – to accurately measure the olive oil, salt, and pepper
5. Measuring cups – for the chicken broth and low fat milk
6. Stirring spoon – to mix in the ingredients while cooking
7. Ladle – for serving the soup into bowls

FAQ

Easy And Comforting Ham And Potato Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have olive oil, you can use a bit of butter or canola oil instead. Just keep an eye on it cause butter burns faster.
• If you dont have ham or wanna change it up, you could try bacon or even leftover turkey for a similar meaty flavor.
• If low sodium chicken broth is missing in action, you can use veggie broth or water mixed with some extra seasoning to boost the flavor.
• Instead of low fat milk, almond milk or coconut milk works pretty well if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. They might add a little extra taste though.
• You could also swap out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes if you want a slightly different sweetness in the soup.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you add the milk slowly and keep the heat low after you pour it in so that it doesnt curdle – a gentle simmer works best for a smooth finish.
2. Prep all your veggies and ham before you start cooking – it helps the flavors mix better and saves time when you’re cooking in a hurry.
3. Season gradually through the process, tasting as you go so you can adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste; sometimes a little extra pinch right before serving makes a big difference.
4. If you have the time, letting the soup sit for a few minutes off the heat after simmering can help the flavors settle and give you a more balanced taste.