Cheesy Ham and Veggie Potato Chowder
Warm up on those chilly winter evenings with this hearty and creamy chowder. Featuring tender diced potatoes, fresh broccoli, and sweet carrots, this dish is bursting with wholesome flavors. The addition of velvety cheddar cheese and savory ham elevates it to a restaurant-quality comfort meal you can easily prepare at home. For garlic enthusiasts, a hint of garlic adds depth to the already rich flavors. This chowder is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any time you crave a bowl of wholesome goodness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
2 cups (boiling)
potatoes
2 cups (diced)
carrot
1/2 cup (chopped)
broccoli
1/2 cup (chopped)
onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
pepper
1/2 teaspoon
garlic clove
1 (chopped (optional))
butter
1/4 cup
flour
1/3 cup
milk
2 cups
cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
ham
1 cup (cooked and cubed)
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, bring the boiling water to a gentle simmer.
2
Add the diced potatoes, chopped carrots, chopped broccoli, chopped onion, salt, and pepper to the pot. For an extra kick, add the chopped garlic at this stage.
3
Cover the pot and let the vegetables simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Do not drain the liquid.
4
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5
Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
6
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Then add the cooked, cubed ham.
7
Pour the cheese sauce into the pot with the cooked vegetables and stir to combine.
8
Heat the chowder through on low heat, ensuring it is warmed but not boiling. Serve hot with your favorite bread or crackers.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Ham and Veggie Potato Chowder?
It is a hearty and creamy comfort soup featuring diced potatoes, broccoli, carrots, ham, and melted cheddar cheese.
What vegetables are included in this chowder?
The recipe includes diced potatoes, chopped carrots, chopped broccoli, and chopped onion.
How long do the vegetables need to simmer?
The vegetables should simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Should I drain the liquid after simmering the vegetables?
No, you should not drain the liquid; it stays in the pot to form the base of the chowder.
How is the cheese sauce prepared?
The sauce is made by creating a roux with butter and flour, whisking in milk until thickened, and then stirring in shredded cheddar cheese.
Can I add garlic to this potato chowder?
Yes, you can add one chopped garlic clove when you add the vegetables to the pot for extra flavor.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese for a velvety and rich finish.
How much ham is required?
You will need 1 cup of cooked, cubed ham.
Is this a good recipe for winter?
Yes, it is specifically described as a great way to warm up on chilly winter evenings.
What should I serve with this chowder?
It is best served hot with your favorite bread or crackers.
How do I prevent lumps in the milk sauce?
To avoid lumps, pour the milk in gradually while continuously whisking the butter and flour mixture.
How much milk is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cups of milk to create the creamy base.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size is not listed, but the recipe uses 13 ingredients including 2 cups of potatoes and 2 cups of cheese.
How much water is needed to boil the vegetables?
You will need 2 cups of boiling water to start the vegetable simmering process.
What seasonings are used in this chowder?
The primary seasonings are 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
How much butter is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of butter to be melted in a separate saucepan.
How much flour is needed for the roux?
You should whisk in 1/3 cup of flour into the melted butter.
How many cups of potatoes are used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of diced potatoes.
Should the chowder be boiled once the cheese sauce is added?
No, you should heat the chowder through on low heat, ensuring it is warmed but not boiling.
How much carrot and broccoli should I use?
You should use 1/2 cup of chopped carrot and 1/2 cup of chopped broccoli.
How much onion is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chopped onion.
Can I make this as a vegetarian dish?
You can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the ham, as the base consists of vegetables, cheese, and milk.
How long does it take to cook the flour and butter paste?
The flour and butter paste (roux) should be cooked for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
How long does the milk take to thicken into a sauce?
The milk takes about 5-7 minutes to thicken while whisking over medium heat.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a restaurant-quality comfort meal that is easy to prepare at home.
What is the preparation for the potatoes?
The potatoes should be diced into small pieces before cooking.
What is the preparation for the ham?
The ham should be previously cooked and then cut into cubes.
Can I use different types of milk?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of milk, and while not stated, whole milk or 2% would work best for creaminess.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, with a 10-minute simmer time for veggies and a quick sauce, it is an easy and relatively fast dinner.
How many tags are associated with this recipe?
There are 9 tags, including chowder, comfort food, cheesy soup, and easy dinner.