CREAMY HAM AND POTATO SOUP

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 carrot, thinly sliced ​​
• 3 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, chopped into large bite-sized pieces (with peel)
• 1/2 pound sweet ham, cut into strips (see notes)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk
• salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large Heat the oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrot, red potatoes and ham. Sauté until onions and ham begin to brown around the edges; approx. 5-7 minutes. Add garlic, onion powder, and parsley; Cook for 1 minute.
Add the low sodium chicken broth.Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
Melt the butter in a frying pan and add the flour. Beat over low heat for 3-4 minutes. Slowly add the milk to create a creamy consistency and remove any lumps.When everything is well mixed and thick, whisk or slowly stir into the soup. Simmer until warm and season with salt and pepper.

NOTES

I use deli ham for slightly crispy edges and a little more texture, but you can also use a ham bone, leftover ham, or a smoked ham fillet.
Yukon Gold potatoes or russet potatoes are best for this soup. They contain less starch than russets and don’t break down as much in the soup.Garnish soup with chives, green onions, sour cream or cheddar cheese.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave on reduced power or on the stove at low heat to prevent the potatoes from overcooking.
To freeze, let it cool completely. Serve the completely cooled soup in resealable freezer bags (quart or gallon).Remember that liquids expand when they freeze. Therefore, leave about an inch at the top of the bag to allow it to expand. On the other hand, you want to prevent freezer burn from occurring, so remove excess air. Place soup bags in a single layer on baking sheets and place in the freezer. Once the bags are completely frozen, stack them in the freezer to save space.

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