Sitting in Grandma’s cozy kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of Ham and Potato Soup filled the air. It was a ritual I cherished, watching her stir the bubbling pot and hum softly to herself. As a child, I’d pull up a stool and eagerly wait for the first spoonful, my taste buds already tingling in anticipation. There was just something so comforting and nourishing about that creamy, hearty soup.
Decades later, that beloved recipe has become a staple in my own home. Whenever I make a batch of Grandma’s Ham and Potato Soup, it transports me right back to those precious moments. The flavors are so familiar, so nostalgic – it’s the ultimate hug in a bowl. And I’m excited to share this recipe with you, because I know it’ll become your go-to as well.
Table of Contents
Why This Ham And Potato Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Ham And Potato Soup
What sets this Ham and Potato Soup apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is in the slow simmering process, which allows the potatoes to break down and thicken the broth, creating a velvety, comforting consistency. But we don’t stop there – the addition of tender chunks of savory ham and a touch of heavy cream takes this soup to the next level. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, leaving you feeling satisfied and nourished.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Onion: The foundation of this soup, onions lend their aromatic sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh herbal notes to complement the other ingredients.
- Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the overall savory profile of the soup.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture when cooked.
- Ham: Leftover ham or a ham steak adds a delightful salty, smoky element.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid base that brings all the flavors together.
- Heavy Cream: A small amount of cream adds a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme and bay leaves infuse the broth with earthy, aromatic notes.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the soup and balance the flavors.
Step-by-Step Ham And Potato Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Ham And Potato Soup
This Ham and Potato Soup is relatively easy to prepare, with a total cooking time of about 45 minutes. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven, a cutting board, and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s dive in and get started!
1- In your pot, sauté the diced onion and celery in a bit of olive oil until they’re softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
2- Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3- Pour in the chicken broth and toss in the diced potatoes, ham, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4- Once the potatoes are cooked through, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently mash some of them against the side of the pot. This will help thicken the soup.
5- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6- Ladle the warm, comforting Ham and Potato Soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Ham and Potato Soup turns out perfectly, here are a few pro tips:
– Cut the potatoes into evenly sized chunks for even cooking.
– Simmering the soup slowly allows the potatoes to break down and thicken the broth.
– Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as they can become mushy.
– Adjust the seasoning to your taste – you may want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce.
– For a creamier soup, use a higher proportion of heavy cream or blend a portion of the soup until smooth.
Serving and Storing Your Ham And Potato Soup
Perfect Pairings for Ham And Potato Soup
This hearty Ham and Potato Soup pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving it with a crusty bread or warm, buttery rolls for dipping. A crisp green salad or a simple side of roasted vegetables would also make a lovely complement. And don’t forget a chilled glass of white wine or a mug of hot apple cider – the perfect sipping companions for this comforting soup.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this Ham and Potato Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
For even easier meal prep, you can make a big batch of this soup and freeze it. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stove.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Ham And Potato Soup
Creative Ham And Potato Soup Variations
While this classic Ham and Potato Soup is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. For a heartier version, you can add in diced carrots or par-cooked green beans. If you’re craving a bit of heat, stir in some diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
And for a touch of smoky goodness, try substituting the ham with crispy bacon or smoked sausage. You can even make it vegetarian by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth instead of chicken.
Making Ham And Potato Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this Ham and Potato Soup more diet-friendly, there are a few simple swaps you can try. For a lower-carb option, replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or cubed zucchini.
For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk in place of the heavy cream. And if you need to make it gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the broth.
No matter which dietary variations you choose, this comforting Ham and Potato Soup will still be a crowd-pleasing, nourishing meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of potato besides Yukon Gold?
A: Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, you can also use russet or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and texture may vary slightly.
Q: How can I make this soup thicker or creamier?
A: To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot, as suggested in the instructions. For an even creamier consistency, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender.
Q: Can I make this soup in advance and reheat it later?
A: Yes, this Ham and Potato Soup is perfect for making ahead of time. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop until warmed through.
Q: How much does this recipe yield?
A: This recipe will make approximately 6-8 servings of Ham and Potato Soup, depending on the portion size. If you need to feed a larger crowd, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to make a bigger batch.
Q: What can I do if the soup turns out too salty?
A: If the soup ends up being too salty, you can try adding a bit more chicken broth or water to dilute the saltiness. You can also stir in a small amount of sugar or a splash of lemon juice to help balance the flavors.
Scrumptious Ham And Potato Soup
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 6
Description
This Scrumptious Ham and Potato Soup is a warm and comforting classic that’s quick and easy to make. Loaded with tender chunks of ham, creamy potatoes, and aromatic vegetables, it’s the perfect cozy meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 carrots, peeled and diced
– 3 celery stalks, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 cups diced ham
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. – In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. – Add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. – Pour in the broth and add the diced potatoes, ham, thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
4. – Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. – Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. – Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
– For a creamier soup, you can blend a portion of the cooked potatoes before adding them back to the pot.
– Swap out the ham for cooked bacon or sausage for a different flavor profile.
– Serve with crusty bread or rolls for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade Ham and Potato Soup to warm the soul. This recipe is a true family favorite, passed down through the generations and infused with love in every bite.
I encourage you to give it a try – I’m confident it’ll become a go-to in your household, just like it is in mine. The rich, velvety broth, the tender chunks of ham, and the creamy, comforting potatoes come together in perfect harmony.
So go ahead, grab your spoon, and get ready to savor a taste of pure nostalgia. Let me know in the comments how you and your loved ones enjoy this delightful Ham and Potato Soup!
