This Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup is the perfect dish to warm your soul. Ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this soup delivers heartiness with every spoonful. With its creamy texture and delightful flavors, it stands out as a comforting meal that’s both simple to prepare and low in calories.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This soup can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of honey ham and fresh vegetables creates a deliciously savory taste.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe with your favorite veggies or spices.
- Nutritious Option: It’s packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone will enjoy this comforting bowl of soup, from kids to adults.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A sturdy pot allows for even cooking while providing enough space for all the ingredients.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and safe chopping of vegetables, saving you prep time.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 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)
– 4 cups (2 15oz cans) chicken broth
– 5 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup and 1 tablespoon (44g) all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk, (any percentage)
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt
How to Make Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by peeling and dicing the russet potatoes into medium-sized pieces. Dice the celery and onion into small cubes.
Step 2: Cook the Base
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery. Sauté until they soften, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Stir in the diced potatoes along with chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
In a small bowl, whisk together flour with milk until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the pot while stirring continuously.
Step 5: Finish with Ham
Add the diced honey ham, black pepper, and salt to taste. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Ladle your hearty soup into bowls and enjoy it hot! You can garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
How to Serve Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Serving Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup can elevate your meal experience. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends, consider these serving suggestions to make it even more delightful.
With Fresh Bread
- A warm, crusty baguette pairs perfectly, allowing you to soak up every delicious drop of soup.
Topped with Green Onions
- Chopped green onions add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Served with Crackers
- Crunchy saltines or buttery crackers provide a satisfying contrast to the creamy texture of the soup.
Accompanied by a Side Salad
- A light garden salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup, making for a wholesome meal.
With Cheese Toast
- Melted cheese on toasted bread adds an indulgent touch that complements the flavors beautifully.
How to Perfect Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
To ensure your Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup is perfect every time, follow these tips for a delicious outcome.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh potatoes and ham will enhance the flavor significantly compared to older products.
- Adjust seasoning: Always taste before serving; adding salt or pepper can elevate the dish to your preference.
- Thicken wisely: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add more flour gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Add vegetables: Consider including carrots or peas for added nutrition and color in your soup.
- Simmer gently: After bringing it to a boil, reduce heat to avoid overcooking the potatoes, ensuring they stay tender yet firm.
- Cool properly: If you have leftovers, cool them quickly before storing in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:
Garlic Bread
A classic choice that adds flavor while being easy to prepare.Coleslaw
This crunchy side offers a refreshing contrast with its tangy dressing.Roasted Vegetables
Seasonal veggies roasted with olive oil can complement the soup’s creamy texture beautifully.Cornbread Muffins
Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful sweetness that pairs well with savory soups.Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
A childhood favorite that brings nostalgia and comfort alongside your soup.Quinoa Salad
A healthy option packed with protein; it’s light yet filling enough to serve as a side.Potato Chips
For those who enjoy crunch, serve some classic potato chips on the side for added texture.Fruit Salad
A refreshing fruit salad provides a sweet finish that balances out the savory flavors of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes to steer clear of for the best results.
- Using cold ingredients: This can affect cooking time and texture. Ensure all ingredients, especially broth and milk, are at room temperature before starting.
- Not seasoning enough: Failing to taste as you go may lead to bland soup. Always season gradually and taste multiple times throughout the cooking process.
- Overcooking potatoes: This can make them mushy. Keep an eye on your potatoes, adding them during the last stages of cooking to maintain their texture.
- Skipping the sauté step: Don’t skip sautéing onions and celery. This adds depth of flavor to your soup that you won’t want to miss.
- Rushing through prep: Take your time while dicing vegetables and ham. Uniform sizes ensure even cooking, enhancing the final dish’s texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup in airtight containers.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
- For longer storage, freeze your soup in freezer-safe containers.
- It can last for up to 2–3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring often until hot.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup.
Can I use leftover ham?
You absolutely can! Leftover ham works perfectly in this recipe, adding great flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free?
This version is not gluten-free due to flour. You can substitute with a gluten-free thickener if needed.
How can I customize this soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition. Herbs like thyme or parsley also enhance flavor!
What’s the best way to serve this soup?
Serve your Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup is a delightful choice for busy weeknights. Its creamy texture paired with hearty ingredients makes it perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand. Give it a try; you’ll love how comforting it feels!
Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Warm up with Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup, a delightful dish that combines creamy potatoes with savory honey ham for a heartwarming experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this soup can be ready in just 30 minutes. Its rich flavors and simple preparation make it a favorite among families, pleasing both kids and adults alike. With nutritious ingredients and the option to customize with your favorite vegetables, this soup is not only satisfying but also a healthy choice. Serve it with crusty bread or fresh salad for a complete meal that warms the soul.
- 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
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Black pepper and salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into medium pieces; dice celery and onion into small cubes.
- Cook the base: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery, sautéing until softened (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add potatoes and broth: Stir in diced potatoes along with chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer; cover and cook until potatoes are tender (about 10 minutes).
- Thicken the soup: In a small bowl, whisk together flour with milk until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the pot while stirring continuously.
- Finish with ham: Add diced honey ham, black pepper, and salt to taste; let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
- Serve warm: Ladle into bowls and enjoy! Optionally garnish with fresh herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
