Ham and Potato Soup by Cafe Delites

 

(This soup is sooo good!  A good comfort soup and also a good way to use up that leftover ham from Christmas or Easter.  This got rave reviews from my husband and kids, plus with all the good veggies, you are bound to have a "win-win", enjoy! )

1/3 c. butter

1 onion, finely chopped

1 c. large carrot, peeled and diced

1/2 c. diced celery

3 c. peeled and diced potatoes

4 cloves garlic, minced 

1 1/2 c. cooked ham, diced (can add more)

1/3 c. flour

2 c. chicken stock

2 tsp. chicken bouillon

3 c. whole milk ( can use 2 % but I prefer the whole)

fresh cracked pepper

** Heat the butter in a pot over medium heat.  Sauté the onion, carrots, celery until beginning to soften (about 4 min.)

** Add the ham and potatoes, cook for 2 min. then add the garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds)

** Mix the flour through and cook for 2 minutes

** Stir in stock and bouillon, mixing all ingredients together.  Increase heat and bring to a boil until potatoes are 'just' fork tender, about 10 to 12 min.

** Reduce heat to med-low, add the milk and stir over the heat until thickened (about 5 min.)

** Taste test and season with salt and pepper, if desired.

** Serve!

You can make your own ham broth instead of the chicken broth using leftover ham bone.  

Simmer the ham bone in a stock pot filled with enough water to cover the bone halfway . 

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover with a lid and let simmer until very fragrant (about an hour) -  Discard bone.