Creamy Smoked Ham, Potato, and Leek Delight
Warm up on chilly days with this Creamy Smoked Ham, Potato, and Leek Delight. This cozy, rich soup is the perfect way to use leftover smoked ham and is made even heartier with the addition of creamy potatoes. Infused with the delicate flavor of leeks and kissed with garlic and herbs, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. By incorporating a package of instant mashed potatoes, the soup achieves a velvety consistency that’s both comforting and satisfying. Serve it as a main dish or in cups as a delightful appetizer, and don’t forget to top each serving with a sprinkle of shredded cheese for that ultimate comfort food experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
6 (diced small)
cooked smoked ham
2.5 cups (diced small)
butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
leeks
5 (white parts only, sliced and soaked to remove sand)
water
6 cups (N/A)
shredded cheese
3 cups (N/A)
heavy cream
1 cup (N/A)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (N/A)
dried parsley
1 teaspoon (N/A)
instant mashed potatoes
1 package (Sour Cream & Chives variety)
salt
to taste (N/A)
black pepper
to taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and diced smoked ham, sautéing until the leeks are tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the diced potatoes, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are soft, approximately 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese until melted and well combined.
4
Add the package of Betty Crocker Sour Cream & Chives Instant Mashed Potatoes to the mixture, stirring until the soup reaches a creamy consistency.
5
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this soup recipe?
The main protein in this dish is 2.5 cups of diced cooked smoked ham.
How many fresh potatoes are required?
The recipe calls for 6 potatoes to be diced small.
What is the secret ingredient for achieving a velvety consistency?
A package of instant mashed potatoes is used to give the soup its thick and creamy texture.
What specific variety of instant mashed potatoes is recommended?
The recipe suggests using Betty Crocker Sour Cream & Chives Instant Mashed Potatoes.
How should the leeks be prepared before cooking?
You should use the white parts only, slice them, and soak them to remove any sand.
How much butter is needed to sauté the vegetables?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of butter.
What is the total amount of water used as the soup base?
A total of 6 cups of water is used to simmer the ingredients.
How much shredded cheese is incorporated into the soup?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of shredded cheese.
When should the heavy cream be added to the pot?
Stir in the heavy cream after the potatoes have become tender and soft.
What are the primary herbs and spices used for seasoning?
The seasoning includes garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
How long should the leeks and ham be sautéed?
They should be sautéed until the leeks are tender and fragrant, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
How long do the diced potatoes need to cook in the simmering water?
The diced potatoes should cook for approximately 15-20 minutes until they are soft.
Is this recipe suitable for using leftovers?
Yes, it is described as the perfect way to use leftover smoked ham.
Can this soup be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it can be served in cups as a delightful appetizer or as a full main dish.
What is the recommended garnish for this potato soup?
Each serving should be topped with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include soup, one dish meal, comfort food, potato soup, ham soup, and winter meal.
How many ingredients are listed in this recipe?
There are 12 distinct ingredients used in this recipe.
What type of garlic is used in the instructions?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Does the recipe specify a serving size or calorie count?
No, the nutritional information like calories, fat, and serving size is not specified.
How many leeks are used in the preparation?
The recipe requires 5 leeks.
What part of the leek is used in the soup?
Only the white parts of the leeks are used.
What is the first step in preparing the soup?
The first step is melting butter over medium heat and sautéing the leeks and ham.
How often should you stir the soup while it simmers?
You should stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the pot.
Is fresh or dried parsley used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
When do you add the instant mashed potatoes?
Add them after stirring in the heavy cream and cheese until melted.
What heat setting is used for sautéing the leeks?
Medium heat is used for the initial sautéing process.
What is the recipe ID for this specific dish?
The recipe ID is creamy-smoked-ham-potato-and-leek-delight.
Is the ham added before or after the water?
The diced smoked ham is sautéed with the leeks before the water is added.
What flavor profile does this soup offer?
It offers a delicate balance of leek flavor, garlic, herbs, and smoky ham.
When should salt and pepper be added?
Salt and pepper should be added to taste just before serving.