Sweet Potato Ham and Corn Chowder Recipe

This delightful Sweet Potato, Ham and Corn Chowder recipe is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for those chilly days. Packed with nutritious sweet potatoes, flavorful ham, and vibrant corn, this chowder is sure to impress your family and friends. The recipe is easy to follow and the result is a creamy, flavorful bowl of goodness.

Photos of Sweet Potato Ham and Corn Chowder Recipe

Our recipe calls for a few ingredients that might not be in your everyday pantry. Hickory smoked ham, for example, lends a unique, smoky flavor to the dish that's hard to replicate with other types of ham. Be sure to look for it in the deli section of your supermarket. Another ingredient you might need to shop for is the sharp cheddar cheese, which adds a delicious tangy flavor to the chowder.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato, Ham and Corn Chowder

Olive oil: This is used to sauté the vegetables, adding depth to the overall flavor of the soup.

Yellow onion: It adds a sweet, caramelized flavor when cooked.

Carrots: They add a touch of sweetness and color to the soup.

Celery: Provides a subtle, savory flavor.

Bell pepper: Adds a fresh, sweet flavor and vibrant color.

Garlic: It gives the soup a robust, savory flavor.

Sweet potatoes: The star ingredient of the soup. They make the soup hearty and add a subtle sweetness.

Basil and Thyme: These herbs enhance the flavor of the soup.

Butter: Adds a rich flavor and helps thicken the soup.

All-purpose flour: It's used to thicken the chowder.

Whole Milk: Adds creaminess to the soup.

Hickory smoked ham: Gives the chowder a smoky, meaty flavor.

Frozen corn: Adds sweetness and texture to the chowder.

Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a tangy, creamy element to the chowder.

Fresh parsley: Used for garnishing, adds a fresh flavor and color contrast.

One reader, Ambrosio Dalton says:

This sweet potato, ham, and corn chowder recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the creamy texture is just divine. It's a hearty and comforting dish that's become a family favorite. Highly recommend giving it a try!

Ambrosio Dalton

Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Chowder

How to sauté vegetables: Sautéing vegetables involves cooking them in a small amount of oil or butter over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. This technique helps to develop the flavors and soften the vegetables.

How to make a roux: To make a roux, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes smooth and light golden in color. This creates a thickening agent for the chowder.

How to simmer soup: Simmering soup involves bringing it to a gentle boil, then reducing the heat to maintain a low, steady simmer. This allows the flavors to meld and the ingredients to cook through without overcooking or breaking down.

How To Make Sweet Potato Ham and Corn Chowder

Here’s another hearty and filling soup to warm your cold days. Our corn chowder recipe is a blend of satisfying flavors from fresh herbs in one dish.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 50 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1 ½tbsp olive oil
1 ¼cupsyellow onionchopped
1cupcarrotspeeled and diced
1cupcelerydiced
1cupbell pepperchopped
1tbspgarlic minced
2canslow-sodium chicken broth
3 cups sweet potatoes 1/2-inch peeled and diced
1tspbasildried
½tsp dried thyme
salt
black pepperfreshly ground
5tbspbutterunsalted, diced into 1-piece
⅓cupall-purpose flour
3cupswhole milk
1 ½cups hickory smoked ham diced cooked
1 ½ cups frozen corn
½cupsharp cheddar cheeseshredded, plus more for serving if desired
3tbspfresh parsleychopped

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add in onions, carrots, and celery and saute for 4 minutes.
Add in bell pepper and garlic then saute for 1 minute longer.
Add in chicken broth, sweet potatoes, basil, and thyme then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until sweet potatoes and vegetables are tender for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add in flour and cook, whisking constantly for 1 minute.
Pour in milk into the flour mixture, stir constantly and bring mixture to a light boil, remove from heat.
Stir ham and corn into the soup once veggies are tender and heat through for about 2 minutes. Stir milk mixture into soup.
Stir in cheddar and parsley. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 1940.25kcal
Fat: 83.73g
Saturated Fat: 40.29g
Trans Fat: 2.02g
Monounsaturated Fat: 28.91g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.96g
Carbohydrates: 201.15g
Fiber: 16.08g
Sugar: 26.84g
Protein: 102.45g
Cholesterol: 229.09mg
Sodium: 3133.84mg
Calcium: 1242.90mg
Potassium: 2201.69mg
Iron: 11.15mg
Vitamin A: 1736.02µg
Vitamin C: 69.28mg

Elevate Your Chowder Game with This Essential Technique Tip

When cooking the sweet potatoes for this chowder, ensure they are cut into even pieces. This will allow them to cook uniformly and become tender at the same time. Uneven pieces may result in some being overcooked while others are still hard. Also, remember to stir the soup occasionally while it simmers to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Time-Saving Hacks for Preparing Sweet Potato, Ham and Corn Chowder

Prep ahead: Chop and measure all your ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonder: Use a large pot to cook the chowder, minimizing the number of dishes to clean up.

Frozen veggies: Opt for frozen corn to save time on shucking and cutting fresh corn off the cob.

Quick roux: Make a quick roux by melting the butter and whisking in the flour while the vegetables are simmering to save time.

Simmer smart: While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the milk mixture to add to the chowder later, saving time and multitasking efficiently.

Substitute Ingredients For Sweet Potato Ham and Corn Chowder Recipe

sweet potatoes - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash has a similar sweet and nutty flavor to sweet potatoes and can provide a creamy texture to the chowder.
hickory smoked ham - Substitute with smoked turkey: Smoked turkey can provide a similar smoky flavor and texture to the chowder while being a leaner alternative to ham.

Presentation Tips for a Delightful Chowder Experience

Elevate the plating: When presenting the chowder, consider using a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. The contrast of the orange sweet potatoes, green parsley, and golden corn against the creamy chowder will create a visually stunning presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a few delicate parsley leaves on top of the chowder just before serving. The bright green color will add a pop of freshness and a touch of elegance to the dish.
Incorporate a drizzle of olive oil: Before serving, add a subtle drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top of the chowder. This not only enhances the flavors but also adds a glossy sheen to the presentation.
Serve with artisanal bread: Accompany the chowder with a slice of crusty, artisanal bread. Consider toasting the bread and serving it on the side to add a delightful crunch and elevate the overall dining experience.
Use complementary dinnerware: Select elegant, neutral-toned dinnerware to allow the vibrant colors of the chowder to take center stage. The right dinnerware can enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Consider the placement of the bowl: When presenting the chowder, pay attention to the placement of the bowl on the plate. Aim for a balanced and visually appealing arrangement, ensuring that the dish is the focal point of the presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Chowder

Large pot: A large, heavy-bottomed pot is essential for cooking the chowder and allowing enough space for the ingredients to simmer and meld together.
Saucepan: A medium-sized saucepan is needed for making the roux and incorporating the milk into the chowder.
Whisk: A whisk is essential for stirring and incorporating the flour into the butter to create the roux, as well as for blending the milk into the roux.
Chef's knife: A sharp chef's knife is necessary for chopping the onions, carrots, celery, bell pepper, and sweet potatoes with ease and precision.
Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping the vegetables and sweet potatoes.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for this recipe, so having a set of measuring cups and spoons is essential.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the chowder as it cooks, ensuring that the ingredients are well combined without damaging the pot.
Soup ladle: A soup ladle is useful for serving the chowder into bowls without making a mess.
Grater: A grater is needed for grating the sharp cheddar cheese to add a creamy and flavorful finish to the chowder.
Can opener: A can opener is necessary for opening the cans of low-sodium chicken broth.

Preserving Perfection: Storing and Freezing Your Chowder

To store leftover sweet potato, ham and corn chowder, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Seal the container tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating the chowder, stir it well and add a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed to thin out the consistency, as the chowder may thicken when refrigerated.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chowder for up to 2-3 months. To do this, let the chowder cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some headspace for expansion during freezing.
Label the containers or bags with the date and contents, then place them in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen chowder overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat the thawed chowder in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. You may need to add a little extra milk or chicken broth to adjust the consistency, as the chowder may separate or thicken after freezing and thawing.
Note: The texture of the sweet potatoes and vegetables may change slightly after freezing and thawing, becoming softer than when freshly made. However, the flavor of the chowder should remain delicious.

The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Chowder

Reheat the leftover sweet potato, ham and corn chowder in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method ensures even heating and prevents the chowder from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
If the chowder has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out while reheating. Stir well to incorporate the added liquid and achieve a smooth consistency.
For a quicker reheating option, transfer individual portions of the chowder to microwave-safe bowls. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chowder is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the sweet potatoes to become mushy.
If you have stored the chowder in a freezer-safe container, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This will help maintain the texture of the vegetables and prevent the chowder from becoming watery.
To add a fresh twist to leftover chowder, garnish with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, or chopped green onions just before serving. These toppings will provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor to the creamy chowder.
If you find that the flavors have mellowed after storage, adjust the seasoning by adding a pinch of salt, black pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to taste. A squeeze of lemon juice can also help brighten up the flavors.
For a comforting and satisfying meal, serve the reheated chowder with a side of crusty bread or oyster crackers. These accompaniments are perfect for dunking into the rich and creamy chowder.

Fascinating Trivia About Sweet Potato, Ham and Corn Chowder

The sweet potato, ham, and corn chowder recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for chilly days. It combines the sweetness of the potatoes with the smoky flavor of the ham and the crunch of the corn, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. This chowder is a great source of vitamin A, fiber, and protein, making it a nutritious option for a family dinner. It's also a versatile recipe that can be easily customized with additional spices or vegetables to suit individual tastes. Enjoy this comforting chowder as a filling and flavorful meal.

Budget-Friendly Chowder: Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?

This sweet potato, ham and corn chowder recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are relatively affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. The combination of sweet potatoes, ham, corn, and vegetables provides a hearty and satisfying meal for a family. The use of basic pantry staples like olive oil, flour, and spices keeps the cost reasonable. Overall Verdict: 9/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $20-$25.

Is This Chowder Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This sweet potato, ham and corn chowder recipe has both healthy and unhealthy elements. On the positive side, it includes nutritious ingredients like:

Sweet potatoes, which are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants
Vegetables such as onions, carrots, celery, and bell peppers that provide essential vitamins and minerals
Low-sodium chicken broth, which reduces the overall salt content

However, there are also some less healthy aspects:

The use of whole milk and butter adds significant amounts of saturated fat and calories
Ham is often high in sodium and may contain nitrates or nitrites, which have been linked to health concerns
The addition of cheddar cheese further increases the saturated fat and sodium content

To make this recipe healthier, several modifications can be made:

Replace whole milk with a lower-fat alternative, such as 2% or skim milk, or use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk
Reduce the amount of butter used, or substitute it with a healthier fat like olive oil
Choose a low-sodium, nitrate-free ham, or replace it with a leaner protein like chicken or turkey
Decrease the amount of cheddar cheese used, or opt for a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella
Increase the proportion of vegetables in the chowder to boost its nutrient content and fiber

Additionally, you can make the chowder even more nutritious by:

Adding leafy greens like spinach or kale for extra vitamins and minerals
Incorporating whole grains, such as quinoa or barley, to increase the fiber content and make the dish more filling
Topping the chowder with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for added flavor and nutrients
Serving the chowder with a side salad or roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded, balanced meal

The Editor's Take on This Delectable Chowder Recipe

This sweet potato, ham, and corn chowder recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of sweet potatoes, hickory smoked ham, and corn creates a hearty and satisfying chowder. The use of fresh vegetables and herbs adds a depth of flavor, while the addition of sharp cheddar cheese brings a creamy richness to the dish. The recipe's balance of savory and sweet elements is well-executed, making it a comforting and delicious choice for a cozy meal.

Enhance Your Sweet Potato Ham and Corn Chowder Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread: Savory garlic bread with a hint of parmesan and herbs, perfect for dipping into the creamy chowder

Roasted Brussel Sprouts: Crispy roasted brussel sprouts tossed in a balsamic glaze for a tangy and sweet side to complement the hearty chowder

Honey Glazed Carrots: Tender carrots glazed in a sweet and sticky honey sauce, adding a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors of the chowder

Explore These Tempting Alternatives to Sweet Potato, Ham and Corn Chowder

Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup: This creamy soup is packed with tender chicken, carrots, celery, and onions in a flavorful broth. It's the perfect comfort food for a chilly day.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: These crispy bacon-wrapped asparagus spears are the perfect appetizer or side dish. The salty bacon complements the tender asparagus for a delicious combination.

Peach Cobbler: This classic dessert features sweet, juicy peaches topped with a buttery, cinnamon-infused crust. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.

Appetizer and Dessert Combinations to Complement Your Chowder

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. These bite-sized delights are perfect for any gathering and will leave your guests wanting more.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Whip up a creamy and cheesy spinach and artichoke dip that is sure to be a hit at any party. Serve it with crispy tortilla chips or warm bread for a delicious and satisfying appetizer that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. This elegant dessert is perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat at the end of a meal.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm, comforting flavors of apple crisp, with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a crunchy oat topping. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures.

Why trust this Sweet Potato Ham and Corn Chowder Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful sweet potato, ham, and corn chowder that will tantalize your taste buds. The combination of sweet potatoes, hickory smoked ham, and frozen corn creates a harmonious blend of flavors. With the addition of sharp cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, this chowder promises a rich and comforting experience. Trust the expertise behind this recipe to deliver a satisfying and heartwarming meal.

Have you tried this Sweet Potato Ham and Corn Chowder recipe? Share your experience and any tweaks you made in the Recipe Sharing forum.

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ham?

Yes, you can substitute the ham with cooked and crumbled bacon, cooked sausage, or even shredded cooked chicken for a different flavor.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can use any type of cheese you prefer. Gouda, Swiss, or even a spicy pepper jack would all work well in this chowder.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can use any type of milk you have on hand. Whole milk will provide a creamier texture, but you can also use 2% milk or even a non-dairy milk like almond or soy.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving.

Can I freeze the chowder?

Yes, you can freeze the chowder in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it on the stove.