5-Star Ham and Potato Soup

I found this soup on a popular recipe sharing site - it had earned the highest rating of 5 stars after more than 6,000 reviews so naturally, I had to make it right away.  I prepared the first batch as the recipe was written and it was quite tasty, but I knew I could get even more flavor by tweaking here and there - so that's the version I'll share with you today.  The family loved it (even my picky eater), and my neighbor asked for the recipe after she enjoyed 2 bowls.  This one's a winner folks.      

5-Star Ham and Potato Soup

Printable Recipe

serves 6-8

Ingredients

• 4 cups peeled and diced thin-skinned red or white potatoes (not baking potatoes such as Russets, Idaho, etc)

• 4 cups very flavorful homemade chicken stock

• 1 tablespoon dried parsley

• 1 bay leaf

• 6 tablespoons butter, divided

• 1/3 cup diced celery

• 1/3 cup finely chopped onion

• 3-4 cups diced cooked ham

• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 2 cups milk

• Optional Garnish: fresh parsley, chives, scallions, cheese, bacon, crackers, croutons, etc

Directions

1. Place the diced potatoes, dried parsley, and bay leaf in a medium saucepan and cover with chicken stock.

2. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium and cook until potatoes are tender, 15-20 minutes.

3. Remove saucepan from heat; do not drain.

4. In a large skillet, saute the ham, onions, and celery in 1 tablespoon of butter until the vegetables are soft and translucent.

5. Add mixture to the potato and chicken stock mixture.

6. In the same large skillet, melt the remaining 5 tablespoons butter.

7. Add the four, salt, and pepper and whisk until combined, continue whisking for 1-2 minutes to cook the raw flavor out of the flour.

8. Slowly add the milk and whisk to combine; continue whisking until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble; pour mixture into the saucepan that contains the ham and potatoes; stir to combine. Garnish and serve.

adapted from allrecipes.com