COMFORT ESSENTIALS: LEFTOVER HAM AND POTATO SOUP

Comfort Essentials: Leftover Ham and Potato Soup image

Provided by Andy Anderson !

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 24

PLAN/PURCHASE
THE HAM & VEGGIES
3 Tbsp sweet butter, unsalted
2 - 3 medium potatoes, russet variety, diced, peeling optional
6 oz ham, cooked and diced
1/4 c celery diced
1/4 c yellow onion diced
black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
salt, kosher variety, to taste
THE SOUP BASE
3 Tbsp flour, all-purpose variety
2 c chicken or turkey stock, not broth
1 c whole milk
OPTIONAL GARNISH ITEMS
chopped green onions, just the green parts
shredded cheese, sharp
bacon bits
shredded carrots
AT THE TABLE
hot sauce, i prefer franks
soup crackers
crusty bread
salt, pepper
how about a few beers?

Steps:

1. PREP/PREPARE
2. You will need a good size pot to make this recipe.
3. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
4. Add the butter to a pot over medium heat. When the butter melts, add the ham, veggies and a pinch or two of salt and pepper. Stir until the veggies begin to soften, about 8 - 10 minutes.
5. While the veggies are cooking away, add the flour, stock, and milk to a bowl or measuring cup, then whisk to combine.
6. Add to the pot with the veggies and ham.
7. Bring the pot up to a simmer, and stir until the soup thickens, and the potatoes are fork tender, about 4 - 6 minutes.
8. While the soup is thickening, add some salt and pepper, to taste.
9. PLATE/PRESENT
10. Serve while nice and warm with crackers, bread... whatever. Enjoy.
11. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.