Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of deliciousness? Look no further! This creamy potato soup with ham bone is the perfect easy recipe for a chilly evening. It’s a hearty, healthy meal that’s surprisingly quick to make, even for beginner cooks. This homemade cooking masterpiece is packed with flavor, thanks to the savory ham bone that infuses the broth with incredible depth. Forget those bland, instant soups; this recipe is all about fresh ingredients and maximum deliciousness. Let's get started on this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1 large ham bone (about 2 pounds), leftover ham works great too!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth (or water + bouillon cube for a vegetarian option)
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk (for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Building the Flavor Base
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a delicious foundation of flavor for your soup.
Step 2: Adding the Ham Bone Magic
Add the ham bone to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the ham bone is mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, allowing the ham bone to infuse its rich flavor into the broth. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful your soup will be.
Step 3: Potato Perfection
Add the cubed potatoes and thyme to the pot. Continue simmering until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. You can easily check for doneness by piercing a potato with a fork.
Step 4: Creamy Dreamy Finish
Remove the ham bone from the pot. Carefully remove as much meat as possible from the bone and shred it. Discard the bone. Stir the shredded ham, heavy cream (or milk), salt, and pepper into the soup. Heat through, but do not boil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. This delicious potato soup is perfect served with a crusty bread for dipping.
Cooking Tips for the Best Potato Soup:
- For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while simmering the ham bone and potatoes. Remove it before serving.
- Don't overcook the potatoes! They should be tender but not mushy.
- If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup after the potatoes are cooked.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Spicy Potato Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Cheesy Potato Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Bacon Potato Soup: Add 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled, along with the shredded ham.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350 (depending on cream/milk choice)
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This easy recipe is a fantastic healthy meal option. The potatoes provide fiber and essential nutrients, while the ham adds protein. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying bowl of comfort!