This Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup is a delightful dish that warms your soul and fills your belly. Perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights, this soup offers an inviting blend of flavors and textures. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can enjoy a hearty meal in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving family or hosting friends, this comforting soup is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Family-Friendly: Packed with veggies and ham, this soup is a hit with both kids and adults alike.
- Low Calorie: At just 338 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free comfort food option.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make this easy ham and potato soup, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for simmering the soup while allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping your ingredients efficiently.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 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)
Broth and Creaminess
- 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)
Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt
How to Make Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into medium-sized pieces. Dice the honey ham, celery, and onion into small pieces.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and celery. Sauté until they are soft, about 3–5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
Step 4: Create the Base
Pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for approximately 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Soup
In a bowl, whisk together flour with milk until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the pot while stirring continuously. Allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes until thickened.
Step 6: Finish Up
Stir in diced ham, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Heat through for another couple of minutes before serving warm.
Enjoy your bowl of Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup, perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Serving your Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup can elevate the experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this dish.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- A slice of warm, crusty bread complements the soup perfectly, soaking up the delicious broth.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top enhances flavor and adds a pop of color.
Serve with a Side Salad
- A light green salad provides freshness and crunch, balancing the hearty soup.
Top with Cheese
- Shredded cheddar or crumbled feta on top brings creaminess and richness to your bowl of soup.
Drizzle with Olive Oil
- A drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving adds depth and smoothness to the flavors.
How to Perfect Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Perfecting your Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup is simple with these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes, celery, and onions will enhance the overall taste of your soup.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to meet your personal preference.
- Blend for Creaminess: For a smoother texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving.
- Customize Protein: Feel free to swap honey ham for another type of meat, like turkey or chicken, for variety.
Best Side Dishes for Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Completing your meal with side dishes can make it even more satisfying. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for dipping in the rich broth of the soup.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add nutrition without overpowering flavors.
- Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains offer a delicious contrast to the savory soup.
- Cornbread: Moist cornbread pairs well with ham flavors while providing a delightful texture.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing adds a crunchy element that complements the soup nicely.
- Savory Scones: Cheese scones or herb scones can add a unique twist when served alongside your soup.
- Potato Chips: For a fun crunch, serve some seasoned potato chips on the side.
- Pickles: Tangy pickles can cut through the creaminess of the soup for an interesting flavor balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup can be straightforward, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the prep – Not preparing your ingredients beforehand can lead to chaotic cooking. Chop everything before you start cooking for a smoother process.
- Overcooking the potatoes – If you cook the potatoes too long, they may become mushy. Keep an eye on them and check for tenderness around the 10-minute mark.
- Not seasoning properly – Underseasoning can make your soup bland. Taste as you go, and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Using low-quality broth – The broth is crucial for flavor in this recipe. Opt for a high-quality chicken broth for a richer taste.
- Neglecting the flour – Adding flour too quickly can cause clumps. Whisk the flour into melted butter slowly to ensure a smooth base.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm throughout.
- Microwave – Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring every minute until heated evenly.
- Stovetop – Gently reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup.
Can I use other types of ham?
Yes, you can substitute with any cooked ham or even turkey ham based on your preference.
How can I customize my Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition. Herbs like thyme or parsley also enhance flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free?
No, it contains all-purpose flour. However, you may substitute gluten-free flour to make it gluten-free.
How do I make this soup dairy-free?
Use non-dairy milk alternatives like almond or oat milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
This Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily tailor it to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something cozy on a cold day, this recipe is sure to please. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Indulge in the warmth of this Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup, a perfect dish for cozy nights or busy weeknights. This hearty soup blends tender potatoes with savory honey ham and fresh vegetables, creating a deliciously satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes. Packed with flavor and nutrition, it’s a family-friendly dish that will impress guests and nourish your loved ones alike. Enjoy it as a standout main course or pair it with crusty bread for a complete dining experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- 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 all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by peeling and dicing the potatoes, honey ham, celery, and onion.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and celery; sauté until soft (3–5 minutes).
- Stir in the diced potatoes and mix well.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook until potatoes are tender (about 10 minutes).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour with milk until smooth. Gradually add to the pot while stirring continuously.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes until thickened. Stir in diced ham, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and heat through before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 338
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
