Description
Hearty Pioneer Woman Ham and Potato Soup delivers comfort straight from country kitchens. Creamy potatoes, savory ham, and rich broth combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups (840 milliliters) potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 pounds)
- 1–2 cups (240–480 milliliters) cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) cheddar cheese, shredded
Vegetables and Broth:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) carrot, chopped
- ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) celery, diced
- ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) onion, finely chopped
- 3 ¼ cups (770 milliliters) chicken broth (or ham stock for enhanced flavor)
- 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules (optional, enhances flavor)
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a spacious stockpot, amalgamate diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped celery, minced onion, cubed ham, and chicken broth. Elevate the mixture to a vigorous boil over maximum heat, then modulate to medium temperature, allowing ingredients to simmer until potatoes become tender (approximately 10-15 minutes).
- Enhance flavor profiles by incorporating chicken bouillon granules. Calibrate seasoning with salt and black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Create a foundational roux in a separate saucepan by melting butter (113 grams or 1/2 cup) over moderate heat. Delicately sprinkle all-purpose flour across the molten butter, whisking consistently for 2 minutes until the mixture transforms into a golden hue and releases a distinctive nutty fragrance.
- Gradually introduce whole milk (240 milliliters or 1 cup) into the roux, maintaining continuous whisking to prevent luminal formations. Intensify heat to medium-high, stirring until the mixture thickens and achieves a luxurious, velvety consistency, approximately 5 minutes.
- Decrease thermal intensity to low, gradually integrating shredded cheddar cheese (226 grams or 8 ounces), stirring meticulously until complete incorporation and smooth melting occurs.
- Transfer the decadent cheese mixture into the original stockpot, thoroughly blending with the vegetable and ham base. For enhanced textural complexity, gently fracture several potato chunks using a wooden spoon’s posterior. Maintain medium heat until the soup reaches optimal temperature throughout.
- Upon achieving desired warmth and creaminess, extinguish heat source. Ladle the soup into warming ceramic bowls, presenting a comforting, hearty culinary experience.
Notes
- Savor a comforting soup that elevates humble ingredients into a luxurious dining experience on chilly evenings.
- Transform leftover holiday ham into a budget-friendly meal that reduces food waste while delighting taste buds.
- Whip up this lightning-fast one-pot wonder in less than 30 minutes, perfect for hectic weeknight dinners.
- Customize your soup with exciting add-ins like crispy bacon, fresh herbs, or zesty green onions for extra flavor excitement.
- Meal prep champions will love stashing portions in the freezer for future quick and delicious dinners that save time and effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 408 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 819 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 68 mg