Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

Ham: Adds a savory and slightly smoky flavor to the soup. Use pre-diced ham or dice a ham steak yourself.

Potatoes: Provide a creamy texture and hearty base for the soup. Use any variety of potatoes you prefer.

Onions: Add a sweet and aromatic flavor when sautéed. Use yellow or white onions for the best results.

Chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, adding depth and richness to the flavor. Use low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the salt content.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the soup. Whole milk is recommended for a richer texture, but you can use any type of milk you prefer.

Flour: Helps to thicken the soup, giving it a satisfying consistency.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the soup. Adjust to taste.

Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and warmth. Adjust to taste.

When sautéing the onions, make sure to cook them until they are just translucent and not browned. This will ensure they release their natural sweetness without adding any bitterness to the soup.

• diced ham - Substitute with diced turkey: Turkey provides a similar texture and a slightly different but still savory flavor.

• diced ham - Substitute with diced smoked tofu: Smoked tofu offers a plant-based alternative with a smoky flavor that mimics ham.

• diced potatoes - Substitute with diced sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a different flavor profile and a touch of sweetness.

• diced potatoes - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower is a low-carb alternative that provides a similar texture.

• diced onions - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to onions.

• diced onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a more delicate and slightly sweeter taste.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a great vegetarian alternative that still adds depth of flavor.

• chicken broth - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth offers a richer and more robust flavor.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in soups.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a creamy texture and a subtle coconut flavor.

• flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch is a gluten-free thickening agent that works similarly to flour.

• flour - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is another gluten-free thickener that provides a smooth texture.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with umami flavor.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a different kind of spiciness.

• Allow the ham and potato soup to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the soup fresh.
• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For easy portioning, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
• Label each container with the date of preparation. This ensures you keep track of its freshness and consume it within a safe timeframe.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious.
• For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing its quality.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor of the soup.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the soup in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Pour the leftover ham and potato soup into a large pot.
  2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth if the soup has thickened too much.
  4. Once the soup is heated through and potatoes are tender, serve hot.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  3. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until the soup is hot, stirring each time.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Pour the leftover soup into an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until the soup is hot and bubbly.
  5. Stir halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Transfer the ham and potato soup to your slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low heat.
  3. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Once the soup is thoroughly heated, serve directly from the slow cooker.

• Large pot: A large pot is essential for cooking the soup, allowing enough space for all ingredients to simmer and blend together.

• Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the ingredients without scratching the pot.

• Chef's knife: A chef's knife is necessary for dicing the ham, potatoes, and onions efficiently.

• Cutting board: A cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for chopping all the ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Measuring cups are used to accurately measure the quantities of ham, potatoes, onions, chicken broth, and milk.

• Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons help in measuring the flour and any additional seasonings.

• Whisk: A whisk is useful for mixing the flour into the soup to avoid lumps.

• Ladle: A ladle is perfect for serving the hot soup into bowls.

• Peeler: A peeler can be used if you prefer to peel the potatoes before dicing them.

• Colander: A colander can be handy for rinsing the diced potatoes before adding them to the soup.

Pre-chop ingredients: Dice the ham, potatoes, and onions in advance and store them in the fridge to save time during cooking.

Use pre-cooked ham: Opt for pre-cooked ham to cut down on cooking time.

Instant pot method: Use an Instant Pot to speed up the cooking process. Sauté, then pressure cook for faster results.

Batch cooking: Make a large batch and freeze portions for quick meals later.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the flour, chicken broth, and milk before starting to streamline the process.