Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

This recipe is really easy and very good! It is the perfect size for our family of four.  Double for larger families or planned leftovers.

 

Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

4 cups peeled, diced potatoes
1/3 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
1 (5 ounce) can chopped lean ham (or 1 cup of chopped ham)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
5 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (more if you like)

Combine the potatoes, onion, ham, broth and water in a stockpot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Add salt and pepper.

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour until dissolved and smooth. Slowly stir in milk. Continue whisking over medium heat until thick, 4 to 5 minutes. Add cheese.  Stir until melted. Add the milk mixture to potato mixture and heat through.

To lighten this recipe, I:


-rinsed the ham with hot water to remove as much fat as possible
-omitted the butter
-used 1 cup of fat-free half-and-half and 1 cup of skim milk for the milk

-used 2% cheese