Hearty Ham and Asparagus Chowder
Transform your leftover ham into a delightful culinary experience with this Hearty Ham and Asparagus Chowder. Rich and creamy, this soup is packed with fresh asparagus spears and tender carrots, making it a nutritious and comforting meal perfect for any day of the week. The addition of Swiss cheese and dill enhances the flavors, adding a touch of sophistication to the dish. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley for an inviting presentation. This chowder is not just a soup; it's a warm hug in a bowl that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Asparagus spears
1 1/2 cups (Cut into 1-inch pieces)
Carrot
1 medium (Julienned)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Onions (small white)
3 (Quartered)
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (No preparation)
Milk
1 cup (No preparation)
Chicken broth
1 cup (No preparation)
Cooked ham
1 cup (Cubed)
Mushrooms
2 1/2 ounces (Drained (fresh preferred))
Half-and-half cream
1 cup (No preparation)
Salt
To taste (No preparation)
Pepper
To taste (No preparation)
Swiss cheese
1/4 cup (Shredded (optional))
Dill
1 teaspoon (No preparation (optional))
Parmesan cheese
To garnish (Shredded (optional))
Fresh parsley
To garnish (Chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the asparagus: place the chopped asparagus in a saucepan, cover with water, and cook until just crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2
In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the julienned carrot and sauté for 3-5 minutes until it softens slightly.
3
Add the quartered onions to the saucepan and continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes until the onions are tender.
4
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and combined.
5
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
6
Stir in the chicken broth, diced ham, drained mushrooms, and the reserved asparagus pieces. Reduce the heat to low.
7
Slowly incorporate the half-and-half cream, heating through but being careful not to let it boil.
8
Season the chowder with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the shredded Swiss cheese and dill for added flavor.
9
Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
10
Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, hearty meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Ham and Asparagus Chowder?
It is a rich and creamy soup packed with fresh asparagus spears, tender carrots, and ham, designed to be a nutritious and comforting meal.
What is the best way to use leftover ham in this recipe?
The recipe suggests cubing one cup of cooked ham to transform leftovers into a sophisticated chowder.
How should the asparagus be prepared?
Cut the asparagus spears into 1-inch pieces and cook them in water until just crisp-tender, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 ounces of drained mushrooms, though fresh mushrooms are preferred.
How do I prepare the carrots for the chowder?
One medium carrot should be julienned and sautéed in butter for 3-5 minutes until slightly softened.
What type of onions are used?
The recipe specifies three small white onions, which should be quartered before sautéing.
How is the chowder thickened?
The chowder is thickened by sprinkling all-purpose flour over sautéed vegetables and then gradually whisking in milk.
What liquids are used for the soup base?
The base consists of one cup of milk, one cup of chicken broth, and one cup of half-and-half cream.
Can I use a specific type of cheese in the soup?
Yes, you can stir in 1/4 cup of shredded Swiss cheese for added flavor and sophistication.
What herbs are recommended for seasoning?
The recipe suggests using one teaspoon of dill and garnishing with fresh chopped parsley.
How long do I cook the milk mixture?
Bring the milk and vegetable mixture to a gentle boil and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until it is slightly thickened.
Is there a garnish for this chowder?
Yes, it is recommended to garnish the bowls with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
When do I add the cooked asparagus back into the soup?
Add the reserved asparagus pieces into the saucepan along with the chicken broth, diced ham, and mushrooms.
What is the importance of the half-and-half cream?
The half-and-half cream is added near the end to provide a rich, creamy texture, but it should not be allowed to boil.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 16 ingredients, including optional items like cheese and herbs.
What heat setting should be used for sautéing?
The carrots and onions should be sautéed over medium heat.
How long do the onions need to sauté?
After adding them to the carrots, the onions should be sautéed for an additional 2 minutes until tender.
Is the Swiss cheese mandatory?
No, the shredded Swiss cheese is listed as an optional ingredient for added flavor.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of butter to be melted for sautéing the vegetables.
What size should the ham pieces be?
The ham should be diced or cubed into bite-sized pieces.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests seasoning the chowder with salt and pepper to your personal taste.
What type of saucepan is recommended?
A heavy saucepan is recommended for melting the butter and preparing the chowder base.
Is the Parmesan cheese mixed into the soup?
No, the Parmesan cheese is intended to be sprinkled on top as a garnish before serving.
Does this recipe include any tags for categorization?
Yes, it is tagged as soup, chowder, ham, asparagus, creamy, comfort food, and easy recipe.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to ladle the chowder into bowls and add the garnishes of Parmesan and parsley.
How much asparagus do I need?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of asparagus spears cut into 1-inch pieces.
Is the dill added at the beginning?
No, the dill is stirred in toward the end of the cooking process for added flavor.
Why should the cream not boil?
The instructions advise not letting the cream boil to ensure the texture remains smooth and to prevent curdling.
Is this recipe considered a hearty meal?
Yes, the description refers to it as a warm hug in a bowl and a hearty meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
What should I do with the asparagus water?
The instructions state to drain the water after cooking the asparagus and set the asparagus aside.