How to Make Chef John's Ham and Potato Soup - A Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to Chef John's kitchen! Today, I'm excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite soup recipes - Ham and Potato Soup. This hearty and comforting soup is perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something warm and satisfying to fill your belly. Not only is it delicious, but it's also incredibly easy to make, and it's a great way to use up any leftover ham you might have from a holiday feast.

The combination of smoky ham, tender potatoes, and flavorful vegetables m...

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Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 rib celery, diced
  • 8 ounces smoked ham, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives for garnish

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Melt butter in a stockpot over medium heat until golden brown. Stir in carrot, celery, onion, ham, and garlic; cook and stir for 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onions are translucent.
  • Stir in flour; cook for about 3 minutes. Stir in chicken broth, 1 cup at a time. Add water and stir to combine. Turn the heat to high and bring to a simmer. Simmer on medium-low for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Taste the soup for salt and add more if necessary. Stir in potatoes; cook for 15 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Skim fat if desired.
  • With a potato masher, mash the soup a few times, leaving plenty of whole chunks of potato. Season with salt and pepper to taste, add cayenne if desired, and add cream. Stir to combine and heat through. Garnish with fresh chives.
  • Nutrition

    452 cal.

    • Total Fat: 25g
    • Saturated Fat: 13g
    • Cholesterol: 75mg
    • Sodium: 864mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 42g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 16g
    • Vitamin C: 24mg
    • Calcium: 44mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 340mg