Oh boy, you know those chilly evenings when a warm, comforting bowl of soup is just what the heart craves? This ham and bean soup is like a soft, cozy blanket for your taste buds—an embrace in a bowl, really. I remember last winter when I whipped this up; the aroma alone had my neighbor knocking on the door asking what magic was brewing.
Steps
- Begin by boiling chopped onions, celery, potatoes, and cooked ham in a pot of water until the vegetables are tender. Season the mixture with chicken bouillon granules, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter and combine it with flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in two cups of milk to form a creamy base.
- Once the milk mixture is smooth, pour it into the pot with the ham and vegetables. Stir everything together over low heat until the soup is thoroughly warmed.
- Serve the soup hot, and consider adding toppings like shredded Cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, or chives for extra flavor. Enjoy it with crusty bread and a fresh salad on the side.
Ingredients
- 1 onion
- 2 stalks of celery
- Potatoes (amount not specified, adjust to preference)
- Water (sufficient to cover ham and vegetables)
- Cooked ham (amount not specified, adjust to preference)
- Chicken bouillon granules (amount not specified, adjust to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Butter (for roux, amount not specified)
- All-purpose flour (for roux, amount not specified)
- 2 cups milk
FAQ
- What ingredients are required for ham and potato soup?
- To prepare this ham and potato soup, you will need onion, celery, potatoes, water, cooked ham, chicken bouillon granules, salt, black pepper, butter, flour, and milk.
- How do you make ham and potato soup?
- Begin by boiling the ham and vegetables until they are tender. Then, prepare a roux with butter and flour, whisk in milk, and combine this mixture with the pot of ham and veggies. Stir until warmed through.
- What are some serving suggestions for ham and potato soup?
- Enhance your soup by adding toppings like shredded Cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, and chives. It also pairs well with crusty bread and a fresh salad.
- How should you store ham and potato soup?
- Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat it using a microwave or on the stovetop.
- Can ham and potato soup be frozen?
- It is not recommended to freeze this soup, as the potatoes may become grainy and the dairy components might separate during thawing and reheating.
Tips
- Customize the soup by adding your favorite ingredients or any vegetables you have available to make it uniquely yours.
- Enhance the flavor by garnishing with shredded Cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, or chives. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, but avoid freezing as the texture of potatoes and dairy might not hold up well.
- Consider doubling the recipe, as the soup is often more delicious the next day and tends to disappear quickly!
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For boiling the ham and veggies.
- Saucepan: To make the roux.
- Whisk: For whisking milk into the roux.
- Airtight Storage Containers: For storing leftovers.
