Patrick Oconnell
Ham, cheese, and potato soup is a hearty, comforting meal that is surprisingly healthy. It is a simple, easy-to-make, low-calorie soup that is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The soup is creamy and flavorful, with a variety of ingredients that come together to create a delicious, comforting meal. The recipe is versatile and can be adapted to include different ingredients, making it a great option for using up leftovers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 331-347 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g-12g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 8g-9g |
| Protein | 13g-19g |
| Sodium | 772mg-798mg |
| Cholesterol | 73mg |
| Comfort Food | Yes |
| Easy to Make | Yes |
| Freezable | Yes, but potatoes become grainy when thawed |
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What You'll Learn
Ham and potato soup is low-calorie and healthy
Ham and potato soup is a delicious, comforting meal that is surprisingly healthy and low in calories. It is a great option for a busy weeknight dinner, as it is easy and fast to make. The soup is also versatile, allowing for the addition of various ingredients to suit different tastes.
The base of the soup is typically made with potatoes, ham, celery, onions, and chicken broth. This is then seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. The potatoes and vegetables are boiled until tender, and the ham provides a surprising amount of flavour. The soup is then thickened with a roux made from butter and flour, and milk is added to create a creamy texture.
To make the soup even healthier, some people choose to add extra vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, mushrooms, or peas. These ingredients not only add nutritional value but also flavour and texture to the soup. Some recipes also suggest adding garlic, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, or other herbs and seasonings to enhance the flavour profile.
While the classic version of the soup is already low in calories, some people choose to make it even lighter by using reduced-fat milk or substituting part of the milk with evaporated milk to add a touch of sweetness. Additionally, the type of cheese used can be modified to suit personal preferences and dietary needs. Sharp cheddar cheese is often recommended for its strong flavour, but other options such as Colby Jack, Gouda, or mild cheddar can also be used.
Overall, ham and potato soup is a nutritious and comforting meal that can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. It is a perfect example of how comfort food can also be healthy and low in calories.
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It's a versatile recipe with many variations
Ham, cheese, and potato soup is a versatile recipe with many variations. The basic recipe involves combining potatoes, ham, and vegetables such as celery, onions, and carrots in a chicken broth. This is cooked until the vegetables are tender, and then a roux made from butter and flour is added, along with milk, to create a creamy soup. The soup is then seasoned with salt and pepper to taste and served with cheese.
However, there are numerous variations on this recipe that can be made. For example, different types of potatoes can be used, such as Golden potatoes or baby goldens, which have a buttery flavor and creamy texture. Russet potatoes can also be used, but they may require more liquid to be added to achieve the desired consistency.
Additionally, the recipe can be adapted to include a wider variety of vegetables. Cauliflower, peas, mushrooms, and corn are all options that can be added to the soup. Some recipes also include garlic, either in the form of garlic powder or fresh garlic, to add extra flavor.
The type of cheese used can also be varied. While sharp cheddar cheese is commonly used, other options include mild cheddar, Colby Jack, or Gouda. The amount of cheese can also be adjusted to taste, with some recipes offering mild cheddar on the side for those who prefer less cheese.
Finally, the recipe can be adapted to include different types of meat or additional proteins. While ham is the most common meat used, bacon is often added for extra flavor, and leftover Christmas ham is a popular choice. Other proteins such as shrimp, clams, or mushrooms can also be added to create a heartier soup.
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It's easy to make and can be made in 30 minutes
Ham, cheese, and potato soup is a delicious, hearty meal that is surprisingly healthy, comforting, and easy to make. It is a perfect recipe for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend. The soup is ready in just 30 minutes and is a great way to use up leftover ham.
The first step is to gather and prepare your ingredients. You can use pre-cooked ham or ham steak, and potatoes, which form the base of the soup. For added flavour, you can also add carrots, onions, and celery. If you want to add extra vegetables, mushrooms, cauliflower, and broccoli are great options.
Once you have cut up your vegetables, the next step is to combine the potatoes, ham, and vegetables in a large pot with chicken broth or water. Bring this to a low boil and cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, which should take around 10 to 15 minutes.
While the vegetables are cooking, you can make the roux. Melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat and whisk in flour until it turns golden or light brown. This should take about a minute. Then, slowly add milk to the mixture, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking the mixture for about 4 to 5 minutes, until it thickens.
Finally, pour the flour and milk mixture into the soup and stir. Add salt and pepper to taste, and your soup is ready to serve! You can top it with shredded cheddar cheese, scallions, or chives for extra flavour.
This soup is a comforting and healthy meal that can be made in just 30 minutes, making it a convenient and tasty option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
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It's a comfort food that's perfect for cold winter nights
Ham, cheese, and potato soup is a comfort food that's perfect for cold winter nights. It is a hearty, comforting, and delicious meal that is easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. The soup is creamy and chunky, with soft chunks of potato and a variety of vegetables, including carrots, onions, and celery. The addition of cooked ham lends a surprising amount of flavor to the soup, and the use of sharp cheddar cheese adds a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The recipe is versatile, allowing for various ingredients to be added or substituted, such as garlic, mushrooms, and bacon. It is a filling and satisfying meal that can be served with crusty bread and a fresh side salad. The soup can also be garnished with green onions or additional cheese to enhance its flavor and presentation.
The preparation of this comforting soup is straightforward and can be completed in two saucepans. The potatoes, vegetables, and ham are boiled in one pot, while the butter, flour, and milk are combined and thickened in the other. The two mixtures are then combined, seasoned, and served warm. The entire process can be completed in 30 minutes or less, making it a convenient choice for busy individuals and families.
The ham, cheese, and potato soup can be refrigerated for up to 5 days and reheated when needed. However, it is not recommended for freezing due to the tendency of potatoes to become grainy upon thawing. This soup is a favorite among many, providing a warm and cozy feeling on chilly evenings. It is a perfect choice for those seeking a comforting and flavorful meal during the cold winter season.
Overall, the ham, cheese, and potato soup is an ideal comfort food for cold winter nights. It offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, and its ease of preparation makes it a convenient choice for busy individuals and families. With its versatility in ingredients and serving options, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, providing a warm and satisfying dining experience during the chilly winter season.
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It can be served with bread, salad, or cornbread
Ham, cheese, and potato soup is a hearty, comforting meal that is surprisingly healthy. It is also easy to make and low-calorie, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. The soup is best served with bread, salad, or cornbread.
Bread is a classic side dish for soup, and it pairs well with the cheesy, creamy texture of the ham and potato soup. It can be served with crusty bread, freshly baked bread, or bread of your choice.
A salad is also a refreshing side dish to accompany the hearty soup. A leafy green salad or a salad with fresh vegetables can be a healthy addition to the meal.
Cornbread is another option to serve with the soup. Buttery cornbread goes particularly well with the cheesy and creamy flavors of the soup.
In addition to these side dishes, the soup can be garnished with green onions, scallions, or additional cheese. It can also be customized with various ingredients, such as garlic, mushrooms, or bacon, to enhance its flavor and make it even more delicious.
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Frequently asked questions
Ham, cheese, and potato soup is considered a healthy meal option. It is a low-calorie dish that is also comforting and hearty.
The ingredients in ham, cheese, and potato soup typically include potatoes, ham, carrots, onions, celery, butter, flour, milk, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also call for chicken broth, garlic, and various types of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda.
Ham, cheese, and potato soup is a relatively quick and easy dish to prepare. It typically takes around 30 minutes to make this soup, including the time needed for cutting vegetables and boiling them.
It is not recommended to freeze this type of soup as potatoes can become grainy when thawed, and dairy-based soups tend to separate during the thawing and reheating processes. However, some people have frozen it and added extra milk when reheating to improve the texture.
