Creamy Potato & Smoked Ham Chowder

Name: Creamy Potato & Smoked Ham Chowder
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: potato medium size — 4 pcs; chicken stock — 1,5 l; fresh thyme sprigs — 2 pcs; yellow onion medium size — 1 pcs; celery stalk — 1 pcs; ham — 250 g; grainy mustard — 1 tbsp; garlic — 2 clove; cream 20-35% fat — 50 ml; salt by taste

30 minutes

Medium

This thick, velvety soup is the ultimate comfort for cold winter days. It is incredibly warming and satisfying. The heart of the dish lies in its rich texture, created by slow-cooked potatoes that naturally thicken the broth. The bold, smoky notes of ham take center stage, perfectly balanced by a piquant touch of mustard.

For a vegetarian alternative, simply swap the chicken stock for a vegetable one and replace the ham with creamy canned white beans for a similarly hearty experience.

Soups & Stews European cuisine German cuisine

24 seconds ago

Ingredients for 6 servings:

Base

Recipe:

Ingredient Notes:

Stock. This recipe calls for pre-made chicken stock. If you don’t have any on hand, I recommend preparing it from scratch rather than using plain water, which would result in a thin, watery flavor profile.
Potatoes. For the best results, choose starchy (mealy) potatoes, like Russets or any variety recommended for mashing. These break down beautifully during cooking, creating a naturally thick and velvety texture.
Ham. Use high-quality, whole-muscle smoked ham. Look for “cooked and smoked” varieties to ensure a robust, savory depth.
Mustard. Wholegrain mustard is essential here. It adds a gentle pungency and a pleasant pop of texture that cuts through the creaminess of the soup.
Celery. Use celery stalks as a key aromatic base. If you are not a fan, feel free to omit them. Alternatively, you can substitute them with 50g of peeled celeriac (celery root) for a more subtle, earthy aroma.
Onions. Regular yellow onions work perfectly. White onions or shallots are also great alternatives. However, avoid using red onions, as they can give the soup an unappealing grayish tint.
Cream. To achieve the signature richness, use cream with at least 20% fat. While some prefer using sour cream, keep in mind it adds a distinct tang. If you choose sour cream, add it directly to individual bowls rather than the pot to prevent curdling and to control the acidity.

Let’s start cooking!

Dice the potatoes.

Place them in a saucepan, pour in the stock, and add the thyme. Cook until the potatoes are half-cooked.

Meanwhile, finely chop the onion and celery. Dice the ham. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and sauté, stirring, for 3-4 minutes.

Transfer them to the pot with the potatoes.

In the same pan, slightly brown the ham.

Add it to the soup as well.

Once the potatoes are ready, remove the thyme from the pot and partially mash the potatoes directly in the soup using a potato masher.

Add the finely chopped garlic, mustard, and cream. Stir. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for a few minutes. Turn off the heat.

Pour the soup into bowls and serve.

Enjoy!

This Creamy Potato & Smoked Ham Chowder recipe was checked, prepared and approved by Chef Tatyana Nazaruk - author of FlavorIt.com.
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