This Ham and Potato Soup is a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for using up leftover ham from the holidays. With tender Russet potatoes, smoky ham, and classic seasonings, it’s a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. The recipe is simple to prepare with everyday ingredients, and it’s naturally dairy-free, making it a great option for those avoiding cream. What’s great about this soup is its versatility. You can adjust the seasoning or add extra vegetables depending on what you have on hand, and it freezes beautifully for easy meal prep. Whether you’re serving it for lunch or dinner, this cozy soup is bound to become a family favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
- 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked ham, cut into small pieces
- 2.5 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1″ pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped carrot, celery, and onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, then add the ham, potatoes, Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and water.
- Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Cover with the lid slightly ajar, reduce heat, and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
- Using a potato masher, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot for added texture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or store for even better flavor the next day.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Ham and potato soup is a beloved comfort food that has been enjoyed by many across the globe. Its simplicity and heartiness make it a staple in homes, especially during colder months when a warm bowl of soup can be the perfect remedy to chilly weather. The combination of savory smoked ham, tender potatoes, and aromatic vegetables results in a flavorful and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.
This particular recipe stands out because of its ease of preparation and flexibility. You don’t need to have any fancy ingredients, and the recipe is designed to work with items you likely already have on hand, such as leftover ham from a holiday meal. It’s an excellent way to minimize food waste while transforming those leftovers into something new and delicious. While the recipe calls for Russet potatoes, which break down beautifully in the broth to create a creamy texture without the need for added dairy, you can substitute other varieties of potatoes depending on what’s available in your pantry.
A History of Ham and Potato Soup
Ham and potato soup has its roots in various European cuisines, with versions popping up in countries like Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The primary ingredients – ham and potatoes – are staple foods in many cultures due to their accessibility and long shelf life. Smoked ham has long been a popular ingredient for soups and stews because of its rich, savory flavor, which infuses broths with a depth that is hard to replicate with other meats. Potatoes, introduced to Europe from the Americas in the 16th century, quickly became a key component of many traditional dishes due to their affordability and versatility.
In many ways, ham and potato soup exemplifies the essence of rustic, home-style cooking. It’s the kind of dish that you could imagine being passed down through generations, with each family putting their own twist on the recipe. Whether it’s adding different vegetables, using various seasonings, or even incorporating a bit of cream or cheese, ham and potato soup is highly adaptable, allowing for endless variations.
Why This Recipe Works
One of the key reasons why this ham and potato soup recipe works so well is its balance of flavors and textures. The smokiness of the ham complements the mild, starchy potatoes perfectly, while the addition of classic soup vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions provides depth and a slight sweetness to the dish. The Italian seasoning, though a small addition, enhances the overall flavor profile by adding a subtle hint of herbs that blend seamlessly with the rest of the ingredients.
Another important factor is the technique used in this recipe. After the potatoes have cooked until they’re tender, some are mashed directly in the pot. This not only thickens the soup naturally but also gives it a creamier texture without the need for dairy. For those who are lactose intolerant or looking for a lighter soup, this is an excellent alternative to traditional creamy soups. It’s worth noting that while this recipe is dairy-free, adding a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream is entirely possible if you’re seeking a richer, more indulgent version.
For health-conscious cooks, this ham and potato soup is a great option. With no heavy creams or cheeses, it keeps the calorie count in check while still offering a hearty and filling meal. If you’re watching your sodium intake, using low-sodium chicken broth and smoked ham can help manage salt levels, as ham can sometimes be on the saltier side. The soup also offers a good mix of protein from the ham and fiber from the potatoes, making it a balanced dish that’s as nourishing as it is comforting.
Customizing the Recipe
One of the great things about ham and potato soup is how customizable it is. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip the mashing step altogether and enjoy the soup with larger pieces of potato. Alternatively, if you like a smoother consistency, you can blend more of the soup, or even use an immersion blender for a silky finish.
Vegetables are another area where you can get creative. While this recipe sticks to the basics with carrots, celery, and onions, you can easily incorporate other vegetables such as leeks, corn, or peas. For a heartier variation, you could add some beans or lentils, which would not only increase the nutritional value of the soup but also make it even more filling.
For those who enjoy bold flavors, adding a dash of smoked paprika, cumin, or even a few red pepper flakes can bring a nice kick to the soup. You could also swap out the Italian seasoning for other herbs like thyme or rosemary, depending on your personal preference. Additionally, if you happen to have a ham bone left over, throwing that into the soup while it simmers will impart even more rich, smoky flavor into the broth.
The Benefits of Making Ham and Potato Soup
Aside from being a delicious and comforting meal, ham and potato soup offers several practical benefits. First, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ham, which can often be difficult to repurpose after a big holiday meal. Transforming it into soup gives the ham a new life, and the smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with the mildness of the potatoes.
This soup is also ideal for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge for several days, and the flavors tend to improve as the ingredients meld together over time. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights when you need something quick and easy to heat up. The soup can also be frozen for up to three months, so making a large batch and freezing individual portions ensures you always have a comforting meal on hand when you don’t feel like cooking.
Furthermore, this recipe is budget-friendly. Potatoes and carrots are inexpensive ingredients, and you don’t need much ham to get a rich, flavorful broth. For families or individuals on a tight budget, ham and potato soup is an excellent way to stretch ingredients while still providing a nutritious and filling meal.
Serving Suggestions
Ham and potato soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but there are several ways to elevate the meal. Pairing it with a slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette is a classic choice. The bread can be used to soak up the delicious broth, making each bite even more satisfying. For a lighter accompaniment, a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon provides a nice contrast to the richness of the soup.
If you’re hosting guests, consider serving this soup in bread bowls for a rustic and visually appealing presentation. You can also garnish the soup with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and an extra layer of freshness.
Conclusion:
Ham and potato soup is a timeless dish that offers comfort, flavor, and nourishment all in one bowl. Whether you’re using up leftover ham or purchasing it specifically for this recipe, the results are always delicious. With its simple ingredients and flexible nature, this soup can be adapted to suit your tastes and dietary needs, making it a go-to meal for many households.
