Hearty Ham and Potato Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Whipping up a comforting ham and potato soup can turn an ordinary evening into a delightful culinary adventure.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a warm embrace for hungry souls.

Cold days call for something special that warms you from the inside out.

Chunks of savory ham mingle with soft potato pieces, releasing rich flavors in every spoonful.

Creamy textures and robust seasonings dance together, promising a satisfying meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen might surface as the aroma fills your home.

Grab a ladle and let this simple yet spectacular soup become your new favorite comfort food.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ham?

Yes, you can use any leftover ham, deli ham, or ham steak. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces for the best texture and even distribution in the soup.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

• How can I make this soup more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or diced zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking. This boosts the nutritional value and adds more flavor and color to the soup.

Why Ham and Potato Soup Is So Satisfying

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this hearty soup with minimal chopping and simple ingredients that come together effortlessly in one pot.
• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with tender potatoes, savory ham, and nutritious vegetables, this soup delivers maximum flavor and warmth in every spoonful.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this recipe adapts easily to different preferences with optional creamy or chunky textures.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Uses affordable ingredients like potatoes and ham, making it an economical choice for feeding a hungry family or stretching your grocery budget.

Ingredients for Ham and Potato Soup

• Ham: Provides a rich, smoky flavor and protein to the soup.
• Potatoes: Creates the hearty base and adds substantial texture to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Serves as the primary liquid and builds a savory foundation.
• Water: Helps adjust the soup's consistency and volume.

• Onion, Carrot, Celery: Forms a classic flavor base that adds depth and subtle sweetness to the soup.
• Garlic: Offers a robust and pungent flavor enhancement.

• Italian Seasoning: Introduces a blend of herbs that complement the ham and vegetables.
• Salt, Pepper: Balances and heightens the overall taste of the soup.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking while adding a mild flavor.

How to Make Ham and Potato Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery.

Sauté these veggies until they become soft and start releasing their delightful fragrance, which will create a delicious flavor foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Awaken Garlic Flavors

Sprinkle minced garlic and Italian seasoning into the pot.

Stir and cook for about a minute to unlock the aromatic essence of the herbs and garlic, allowing them to bloom and intensify the soup’s flavor profile.

Step 3: Combine Hearty Ingredients

• Diced ham
• Cubed potatoes
• Chicken broth
• Water

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

Let the soup cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Perfect the Seasoning

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper.

Adjust the flavors to your liking, ensuring a balanced and delicious result.

Step 5: Customize Your Soup Texture

For a creamier consistency, use an immersion blender to partially blend some of the soup.

Alternatively, leave the soup chunky for a more rustic feel.

Serve piping hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this homemade ham and potato soup.

Pro Tips for Ham and Potato Soup

• Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they're golden brown to enhance their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Swap ham with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or keep it vegetarian by using plant-based protein like tofu or beans.
• Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, creating a creamy texture while maintaining some chunky potato pieces.
• Add a splash of white wine or a parmesan rind while simmering to develop a more complex, savory broth profile.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end of cooking to prevent over-seasoning and allow flavors to develop naturally.

Variations on Ham and Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace ham with smoked tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth for a plant-based version. Add nutritional yeast for extra flavor depth.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure chicken broth is gluten-free certified. Use cornstarch for thickening if needed instead of flour-based methods.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Add roasted cauliflower for additional creaminess and nutrition.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets. Increase protein by adding more ham or diced chicken. Use bone broth for enhanced nutrient profile.

Serving Suggestions for Ham and Potato Soup

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this hearty soup in deep ceramic bowls to showcase its rich colors and chunky texture, perfect for chilly evenings.
• Soup and Sidekick Pairings: Complement the soup with crusty sourdough bread, garlic croutons, or a light green salad to add crunch and freshness.
• Garnish Galore: Top with crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, shredded cheddar cheese, or a dollop of sour cream to enhance flavor and visual appeal.
• Meal Transformation: Turn this soup into a complete dinner by adding a grilled cheese sandwich on the side or serving alongside roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.

How to Store Ham and Potato Soup

• Store soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing potatoes as they can become grainy.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until steaming hot. Add a splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick.
• Pour soup into a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth if needed to restore original consistency. Heat until thoroughly warmed through.

Ham And Potato Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting ham and potato soup brings hearty warmth to kitchen tables with its creamy blend of savory ingredients. Rich chunks of smoky ham and tender potatoes create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) smoked ham, cut into small pieces

Vegetables:

• 2.5 pounds (1.13 kilograms) Russet potatoes, peeled & cut into 1 pieces
• 1 large carrot, peeled & chopped
• 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) water
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and softened, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for 60 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
3. Add cubed ham, diced potatoes, chicken broth, and water to the pot, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Increase heat to high and bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low, allowing the soup to simmer gently.
5. Cover and let the soup cook for 18-22 minutes, periodically checking potato tenderness with a fork.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring balanced flavor profile.
7. For a luxurious texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree some soup components, creating a creamy yet chunky consistency.
8. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with fresh herbs or additional ham if desired, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting the amount of seasoning to suit personal spice preferences.
• Use lean ham or turkey ham for a lighter, lower-fat version of the soup that still maintains rich flavor.
• Consider roasting vegetables beforehand to enhance their natural sweetness and add deeper complexity to the soup’s overall taste profile.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian-friendly alternative, using plant-based protein like tofu or meat substitutes as a ham replacement.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 207 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 810 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3.5 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg