This easy ham and potato soup recipe is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cold days. It's quick to make, affordable, and packed full of flavor with ham, potatoes, and a creamy broth.
Most ingredients for this soup are likely already in your kitchen. If not, they are easily found in any supermarket. The key ingredients include ham and potatoes. You can use leftover ham if you have any, otherwise purchase a small ham and dice it. Choose potatoes that hold well after cooking, like Yukon or Russet.
Ham and Potato Soup Ingredients
Butter: Adds a depth of flavor and helps sauté the vegetables.
Onion: Provides a savory base.
Potatoes: The main ingredient of the soup, adding heartiness.
Carrot: Adds a touch of sweetness.
Celery stalk: Provides a slight crunch and freshness.
Garlic cloves: Adds a kick of flavor.
Ham: Provides a rich, meaty taste.
Parsley: Used for garnishing and adding a bit of freshness.
Thyme leaves: Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
Chicken broth: Serves as the soup base.
Light cream: Adds creaminess to the soup.
Sour cream: Gives a tangy twist.
Salt: Brings out the flavors of the soup.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat.
One reader, Goldie Creighton says:
This easy ham and potato soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors blend perfectly, and it's so simple to make. The creamy texture and hearty chunks of ham and potatoes make it a comforting and satisfying meal. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques for Making the Perfect Soup
How to prepare the vegetables: Wash and peel the potatoes, carrot, and celery. Dice the potatoes, carrot, and celery into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the soup.
How to cook the ham: Cut the ham into small cubes or slices, depending on your preference. You can use pre-cooked ham or cook it in a separate pan until it's lightly browned for added flavor.
How to simmer the soup: After bringing the ingredients to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.
How to mash the potatoes: Use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the potatoes in the pot. This will help thicken the soup and create a creamy texture without the need for additional thickeners.
How to incorporate the cream: Add the light cream to the soup and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This will infuse the soup with a rich, creamy flavor and texture.
How to stir in the sour cream: Once the soup is off the heat, stir in the sour cream until it's fully incorporated. This will add a tangy richness to the soup and balance out the flavors.
How to serve the soup: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of flavor.
How To Make Easy Ham and Potato Soup
Nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of Ham and Potato Soup with our yummy recipe. This delightful and creamy bowl is filling and easy to make.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3tbspbutter
- 1mediumoniondiced
- 4cupspotatoesdiced
- 1largecarrotchopped
- 1celery stalksliced
- 2garlic clovesminced
- 2cupshamdiced
- 2tspparsley
- ½tspthyme leaves
- 3cupschicken broth
- 1 ⅓cupslight creamor half and half
- ½cupsour cream
- saltto taste
- pepperto taste
Instructions
-
Cook onion in olive oil in a soup pot until tender, for about 5 minutes.
-
Add remaining ingredients except sour cream and cream. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
-
Using a potato masher, mash some of the potatoes in the pot add cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
-
Stir in sour cream and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
You can replace the cream with evaporated milk. Cheese can also be added along with the sour cream. Remove from the heat and stir in until melted. For a thicker soup, combine equal parts cornstarch and water. Pour a little at a time into simmering soup while whisking to reach desired thickness. Meanwhile, for a thinner soup, add additional chicken broth.
Nutrition
- Calories: 971.12kcal
- Fat: 88.12g
- Saturated Fat: 52.89g
- Trans Fat: 0.17g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 26.90g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.37g
- Carbohydrates: 29.70g
- Fiber: 2.64g
- Sugar: 10.60g
- Protein: 19.16g
- Cholesterol: 320.37mg
- Sodium: 1187.83mg
- Calcium: 214.79mg
- Potassium: 931.80mg
- Iron: 1.60mg
- Vitamin A: 807.53µg
- Vitamin C: 18.95mg
Key Technique for Enhancing Flavor in Ham and Potato Soup
When mashing the potatoes directly in the soup pot, be sure to leave some chunks for texture. This will give your ham and potato soup a hearty and satisfying consistency. Also, remember to add the cream and sour cream towards the end of the cooking process. This prevents them from curdling and ensures a smooth, rich finish to your soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Ham and Potato Soup
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and ham in advance to save time during the cooking process.
Use pre-cooked ham: Utilize pre-cooked ham to cut down on cooking time and simplify the preparation process.
One-pot cooking: Opt for a one-pot cooking method to minimize cleanup and streamline the cooking process.
Utilize kitchen tools: Use kitchen tools like a food processor or mandoline to quickly and efficiently prepare ingredients.
Batch cooking: Consider making a larger batch of soup and freezing the extra portions for quick and convenient future meals.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the dish while being a healthier alternative to butter.
potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes can add a slightly sweeter flavor and extra nutrients to the soup.
ham - Substitute with smoked turkey: Smoked turkey can provide a similar smoky flavor and texture to the soup while being a leaner alternative to ham.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative and still provide a flavorful base for the soup.
light cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness to the soup, especially for those looking for a dairy-free option.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture to the soup while being a healthier alternative to sour cream.
Presentation Tips for Ham and Potato Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the soup, ensure that the bowl is warmed and carefully ladle the soup into it. Use a circular motion to create a smooth surface, and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Incorporate texture: Add a finishing touch by drizzling a small amount of olive oil on top of the soup. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a luxurious sheen to the dish, elevating its visual appeal.
Attention to detail: Place a small dollop of sour cream in the center of the soup and delicately drag a toothpick or skewer through it to create a beautiful, intricate design. This adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the presentation.
Utilize complementary elements: Serve the soup alongside a slice of freshly baked artisan bread or a warm baguette to provide a delightful contrast in both taste and texture, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Balance the composition: Consider incorporating a small side salad of mixed greens lightly dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to provide a refreshing accompaniment that complements the richness of the soup.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Soup
Knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing, dicing, and chopping ingredients with precision.
Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Pot: A large pot is necessary for cooking the soup and simmering the ingredients together.
Soup pot: A soup pot is ideal for making soups and stews, providing ample space for simmering and stirring.
Potato masher: A potato masher is used to partially mash the potatoes in the soup, creating a thicker texture.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right balance of flavors in the soup.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is perfect for stirring the soup as it cooks, and it won't scratch the pot.
Soup ladle: A soup ladle is essential for serving the soup into bowls without making a mess.
Soup bowls: Deep soup bowls are perfect for serving this hearty ham and potato soup.
Serving spoon: A serving spoon is useful for adding the soup to individual bowls at the table.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Ham and Potato Soup
- Let the ham and potato soup cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
- If using a container, leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and the contents.
- Refrigerate the soup for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to serve, thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. You may need to add a little chicken broth or water to thin the soup if it has thickened during storage.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- For best results, avoid freezing the soup with the sour cream added, as it may separate and affect the texture of the soup. Instead, add the sour cream when reheating the thawed soup.
How To Reheat Leftover Ham and Potato Soup
Stovetop method: Transfer the leftover ham and potato soup to a saucepan. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. Be careful not to let the soup boil, as this can cause the cream to curdle and affect the texture of the soup.
Microwave method: Pour the leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. This method is quick and convenient, but be cautious not to overheat the soup, as it can cause the ingredients to break down and become grainy.
Slow cooker method: If you have a larger quantity of leftover soup, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker and heat it on the low setting for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is ideal for keeping the soup warm for an extended period, making it perfect for serving at gatherings or potlucks.
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the leftover soup into an oven-safe dish and cover it with a lid or aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating. This method is suitable for reheating larger portions of soup and can help maintain its original flavor and texture.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the soup well before serving to redistribute the ingredients and ensure even heating. If the soup appears too thick after reheating, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of chicken broth or cream until it reaches the desired consistency. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Interesting Facts About Ham and Potato Soup
Potato soup is a comfort food that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Europe and has been a staple in many cultures. The combination of potatoes and ham in this soup provides a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for cold winter days. This dish is also versatile and can be customized with various herbs and spices to suit different tastes. Whether served as a starter or a main course, ham and potato soup is a delicious and filling option for any meal.
Is This Soup Recipe Budget-Friendly?
The cost-effectiveness of this ham and potato soup recipe is quite high. Potatoes, onions, and carrots are affordable staples, while ham adds flavor without breaking the bank. The use of chicken broth and light cream enhances the taste without significantly increasing the cost. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly and satisfying meal option.
Is Ham and Potato Soup Healthy?
The ham and potato soup recipe, while comforting and delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to several factors:
- The recipe includes butter and cream, which are high in saturated fats and calories.
- Ham is often high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- The recipe lacks a significant amount of vegetables, which are essential for providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients, such as potatoes, carrots, celery, and garlic, which offer various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace butter with a healthier cooking oil, such as olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Use low-fat or fat-free sour cream and cream to reduce the overall calorie and fat content of the soup.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the recipe, such as adding more carrots, celery, or even incorporating leafy greens like spinach or kale for added nutrients and fiber.
- Opt for low-sodium ham or replace some of the ham with lean proteins like chicken or turkey to reduce the sodium content.
- Consider using low-sodium chicken broth to further reduce the salt content of the soup.
- Add more herbs and spices, such as garlic, thyme, and parsley, to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive salt.
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious ham and potato soup that still satisfies your taste buds while supporting your overall health and well-being.
Editor's Opinion on This Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
This easy ham and potato soup recipe is a comforting and hearty dish. The combination of ham, potatoes, and creamy broth creates a rich and satisfying flavor. The addition of sour cream adds a pleasant tanginess, while the herbs provide a delightful aroma. The recipe is straightforward and perfect for a cozy night in. However, to enhance the depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Overall, this soup is a delightful option for a comforting meal.
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Why trust this Easy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe:
This recipe offers a comforting and hearty ham and potato soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a balanced combination of potatoes, ham, and vegetables simmered in flavorful chicken broth and light cream, it promises a rich and satisfying taste. The addition of sour cream adds a delightful creaminess, while the aromatic blend of parsley and thyme leaves enhances the overall flavor profile. Trust in this recipe for a delicious and nourishing meal that will surely warm your soul.
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