Growing up, there was nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Mom’s homemade Ham and Potato Soup wafting through the house on a chilly winter day. The savory, creamy broth, studded with tender chunks of ham and buttery potatoes, was an instant mood-booster. I can still remember dipping crusty bread into the flavorful soup, relishing every spoonful. Those cozy family meals around the table are some of my fondest childhood memories.
As an adult, I’ve tried countless variations of Ham and Potato Soup, but none have quite captured the magic of my mom’s recipe. That is, until I finally mastered the perfect balance of ingredients and technique. This Ham and Potato Soup has become my go-to, a recipe I turn to again and again when I need a little taste of home.
Why This Ham And Potato Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The secret behind this Ham and Potato Soup is in the slow-simmered broth. By allowing the ham bone (or ham hocks) to infuse the stock with its rich, smoky flavor, you end up with a soup that’s deeply satisfying and incredibly comforting. The potatoes, meanwhile, lend a creamy, velvety texture that balances out the heartiness of the ham.
The Secret Behind Perfect Ham And Potato Soup
What really sets this recipe apart, though, is the addition of a few unexpected ingredients. A splash of white wine adds a subtle complexity, while a touch of heavy cream gives the soup a luxurious mouthfeel. And the secret weapon? A handful of fresh thyme, which elevates the entire dish with its earthy, aromatic notes.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Ham Bone or Ham Hocks: The foundation of the broth, lending incredible flavor.
– Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet work best, providing creaminess and substance.
– Onion, Celery, and Carrots: The classic vegetable trio that forms the base of the soup.
– Garlic: Adds depth and pungency to the broth.
– Thyme: Fresh thyme is a must for its herbaceous, slightly minty flavor.
– White Wine: A splash brightens up the soup and balances the richness.
– Heavy Cream: A small amount adds a velvety texture and luxurious mouthfeel.
– Salt and Pepper: To season the soup to perfection.
Step-by-Step Ham And Potato Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Ham And Potato Soup
This Ham and Potato Soup is surprisingly easy to make, with a hands-off simmering time that allows the flavors to meld beautifully. In total, you’re looking at about an hour and a half from start to finish, with just 20 minutes of active prep work. All you’ll need is a large pot or Dutch oven, a sharp knife, and a little patience.
1- Start by sautéing the onion, celery, and carrots in a bit of olive oil until they’re soft and fragrant.
2- Add the garlic and continue cooking for another minute, until it becomes aromatic.
3- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, along with the ham bone or hocks. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, until the meat is falling off the bone.
4- Remove the ham bone or hocks and shred or chop the meat. Add the potatoes and thyme, and continue simmering until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
5- Stir in the white wine and heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6- Ladle the piping hot Ham and Potato Soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Pro Tips for Success
To get the most out of this Ham and Potato Soup, here are a few pro tips:
– Use a ham bone or smoked ham hocks for the best flavor in the broth.
– Cut the potatoes into even, bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
– Don’t be tempted to skip the thyme – it’s the secret ingredient that makes this soup extra special.
– If the soup seems too thick, thin it out with a bit of extra broth or water.
– Avoid overcooking the potatoes, or they’ll turn mushy.
Serving and Storing Your Ham And Potato Soup
Perfect Pairings for Ham And Potato Soup
This hearty Ham and Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for enjoying on a chilly day. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls for dipping. For a more substantial meal, you can serve it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
As for beverages, a crisp glass of white wine or a mug of hot tea or coffee complements the flavors of the soup perfectly. For a cozy family dinner, you can’t go wrong with this classic combination.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Ham and Potato Soup is that it actually gets better the next day. The flavors have time to meld and deepen, making it an ideal make-ahead dish.
Once cooled, you can store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
This soup also freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Ham And Potato Soup
Creative Ham And Potato Soup Variations
While this classic Ham and Potato Soup is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. For a hearty twist, you can add diced ham or bacon to the soup. Swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a seasonal variation. Or stir in some chopped kale or spinach for an extra nutrient boost.
You can also experiment with different herb combinations, like swapping the thyme for rosemary or using a blend of fresh herbs. And for a creamy, indulgent version, try stirring in a dollop of pesto or a sprinkle of shredded cheese just before serving.
Making Ham And Potato Soup Diet-Friendly
For those looking to make this Ham and Potato Soup a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try. Instead of heavy cream, use a plant-based milk or dairy-free creamer to achieve that same velvety texture. You can also omit the wine or use a low-sodium broth to reduce the overall sodium content.
For a gluten-free version, simply skip the bread and serve the soup on its own or with a side of roasted vegetables. And for a low-carb take, replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or cubed zucchini.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of ham, like smoked or honey-baked, instead of a ham bone?
A: Absolutely! You can absolutely use a different type of ham in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed, as smoked or honey-baked hams may have added flavors that could affect the overall taste of the soup.
Q: How long does the soup need to simmer?
A: The soup should simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the meat is falling off the bone. This long, slow simmering is key to developing the rich, complex flavor of the broth.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, this Ham and Potato Soup is a great make-ahead dish. Once cooled, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just reheat it on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve.
Q: How much does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings of Ham and Potato Soup, depending on the size of the portions.
Q: What if my soup turns out too thick?
A: If your Ham and Potato Soup ends up thicker than you’d like, you can thin it out by adding a bit more broth or water to the pot. Start with 1/4 cup at a time and adjust to your desired consistency.
Hearty Ham And Potato Soup
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
This creamy and satisfying Ham And Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food for a chilly day. Packed with tender potatoes, smoky ham, and a rich, flavorful broth, it’s a quick and easy meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 cups diced potatoes
– 2 cups diced ham
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
2. – Add the diced potatoes and ham to the pot. Pour in the broth and stir to combine.
3. – Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. – Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. – Serve the Ham And Potato Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
– For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot.
– Substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream if desired.
– Add extra vegetables like carrots or celery for more nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade Ham and Potato Soup to warm you up on a chilly day. This recipe, inspired by my mom’s classic version, is sure to become a new family favorite. With its rich, flavorful broth, tender chunks of ham, and creamy potatoes, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
I hope you’ll give this Ham and Potato Soup a try – I know you’ll love it as much as I do. Be sure to let me know what you think in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family. Enjoy!
