Creamy Southern Ham & Potato Delight
This hearty Creamy Southern Ham & Potato Delight is a beloved family recipe that warms the soul and brings smiles to the dinner table. It's perfect for cozy evenings and gatherings alike! The combination of tender russet potatoes, savory honey ham, and zesty spices creates a flavorful soup that's just reminiscent of grandma's kitchen. For a delightful twist, swap the ham for precooked Hickory Smoked Bacon when you crave that smoky flavor. Pair this delightful soup with soft and fluffy potato rolls or, even better, sweet Hawaiian Bread Rolls. There's nothing quite like dipping a warm roll into this delicious soup! Feel free to improvise with the ingredients—cooking is all about creativity and fun!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow onion
1 (diced)
98% fat-free honey ham
1 (4 1/2 ounce) package (diced)
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon
russet potatoes
6 large (peeled & diced)
margarine
1/4 cup
onion powder
1 teaspoon
onion salt
1 teaspoon
salt
1 teaspoon
black pepper
1 teaspoon
garlic salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
tarragon
1 teaspoon
evaporated milk with vitamin D
1 (12 ounce) can
water
as needed (to cover potatoes)
cornstarch
as needed (for thickening)
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, sauté the diced yellow onion and honey ham until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2
Stir in the diced russet potatoes, covering them with enough water to submerge. Add the onion powder, onion salt, regular salt, black pepper, garlic salt, and tarragon, stirring until everything is combined.
3
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a roaring boil. Allow it to boil at medium-high heat for approximately 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
4
Once the potatoes are soft, reduce the heat to low and add the evaporated milk, stirring gently to combine and create a creamy texture.
5
To thicken the soup, mix a couple of tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry, then gradually stir this mixture into the soup, allowing it to simmer until the desired thickness is reached.
6
Serve hot, enjoying it alongside your choice of rolls.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Southern Ham & Potato Delight?
It is a hearty family-favorite soup made with tender russet potatoes, savory honey ham, and a creamy base seasoned with zesty spices.
Can I use bacon instead of ham in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap the honey ham for precooked Hickory Smoked Bacon if you prefer a smoky flavor profile.
What kind of potatoes are best for this soup?
Large russet potatoes are recommended for their starch content, which helps create a creamy texture.
How do I thicken the soup?
The soup is thickened by mixing cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, which is then gradually stirred into the simmering soup.
What type of milk is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 12-ounce can of evaporated milk with vitamin D for a rich, creamy consistency.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
You should boil the potatoes at medium-high heat for approximately 25 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
What kind of onion is used?
One diced yellow onion is used to provide a savory base flavor.
What are the recommended side dishes for this soup?
It pairs beautifully with soft potato rolls or sweet Hawaiian Bread Rolls for dipping.
Should the potatoes be peeled?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the potatoes should be peeled and diced before cooking.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The seasonings include onion powder, onion salt, regular salt, black pepper, garlic salt, and tarragon.
How do I start the cooking process?
Begin by sautéing the diced yellow onion and honey ham in extra virgin olive oil for about 5 minutes.
Can I improvise with the ingredients?
Absolutely! The recipe encourages creativity and fun, so feel free to adjust ingredients to your taste.
What is the purpose of tarragon in this soup?
Tarragon adds a unique, slightly bittersweet herbal note that complements the ham and potato flavors.
Is margarine required for this recipe?
The recipe includes 1/4 cup of margarine to add richness to the soup base.
How much ham is needed?
You will need one 4 1/2 ounce package of 98% fat-free honey ham.
What should I do if the potatoes are sticking to the pot?
Stir the mixture frequently while it is boiling to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom.
Can I use garlic powder instead of garlic salt?
You can use garlic powder, but you may need to adjust the amount of regular salt to compensate for the missing salt content.
How much water should I add to the pot?
Add enough water to the soup pot to completely submerge the diced potatoes.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
This soup is best served hot, immediately after the thickening process is complete.
How do I prepare the cornstarch slurry?
Mix a couple of tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of cold water until smooth before adding it to the soup.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, butter can be used as a direct substitute for margarine for a similar rich flavor.
How do I know when the potatoes are ready?
The potatoes are ready when they are soft enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
What is the preparation for the honey ham?
The honey ham should be diced into small pieces before sautéing.
What temperature should I use for sautéing?
Sauté the onion and ham over medium heat in the soup pot.
Is this a good recipe for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a beloved family recipe that is perfect for cozy evenings and gatherings.
Can I use red potatoes instead?
While russets are preferred for their texture, you can use red potatoes, though the soup may have a slightly different consistency.
What should the heat be set to after adding milk?
Reduce the heat to low before adding the evaporated milk to prevent curdling.
How many large potatoes are required?
The recipe calls for 6 large russet potatoes.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ham and use a vegetarian ham substitute or extra vegetables to make it vegetarian.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
If the soup becomes too thick, you can thin it out by stirring in a little extra water or milk until you reach your desired consistency.