Hearty Ham And Potato Soup Recipe

Name: Hearty Ham And Potato Soup Recipe
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups (875 mL) diced peeled potatoes (about 3 medium); 1 onion finely chopped; 1/3 cup (80 mL) chopped celery; 3/4 cup (180 mL) diced cooked ham; 1 ham bone (optional); 3 1/4 cups (810 mL) reduced-sodium chicken broth; 1 tsp Salt and pepper to taste; 1/3 cup (80 mL) butter; 1/3 cup (80 mL) all-purpose flour; 2 cups (500 mL) Milk; 1 tsp (5 mL) or 2 tsp (10 mL) sambel oelek (optional); Cooked crumbled bacon for garnish (optional); Shredded Canadian Cheddar cheese for garnish (optional)

Featured in the 2014 Milk Calendar, this Ham and Potato Soup has become a beloved staple for a cozy Sunday lunch. Carol Boonstoppel brings us this easy-to-prepare, satisfying dish, teeming with the heartiness of ham and the comforting warmth of potatoes, enhanced by a colourful mix of vegetables.

Prep: 20 min
Cooking: 35 min

Yields 6 servings

Warm and inviting bowl of Ham and Potato Soup topped with cheese, ready to comfort and satisfy

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups (875 mL) diced peeled potatoes (about 3 medium)
1 onion finely chopped
1/3 cup (80 mL) chopped celery
3/4 cup (180 mL) diced cooked ham
1 ham bone (optional)
3 1/4 cups (810 mL) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp Salt and pepper to taste
1/3 cup (80 mL) butter
1/3 cup (80 mL) all-purpose flour
2 cups (500 mL) Milk
1 tsp (5 mL) or 2 tsp (10 mL) sambel oelek (optional)
Cooked crumbled bacon for garnish (optional)
Shredded Canadian Cheddar cheese for garnish (optional)

READY FOR REWARDS?

Preparation

In a pot, combine potatoes, onion, celery, ham, ham bone (if using) and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and boil gently for 10 to 15 min or until vegetables are tender.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring, for about 1 min or until thick. Gradually pour in milk, while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook, stirring, for about 5 min or until starting to bubble. Simmer, stirring, for 2 to 3 min or until thickened.

Discard ham bone from soup, if necessary. Stir the milk mixture into the soup until blended. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring, until heated through. Season with salt, pepper and sambal oelek (if using). Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with bacon and cheese (if using).