Save to Pinterest This light ham and potato chowder combines tender Yukon Gold potatoes, diced lean ham, and a medley of sautéed vegetables in a creamy, velvety broth. The soup starts by softening onions, celery, and carrots in olive oil, followed by garlic and ham. A touch of flour thickens the mixture before low-sodium chicken broth and seasonings add depth. After simmering until potatoes are tender, low-fat milk and half-and-half create a smooth finish. Garnished with fresh parsley, this chowder offers cozy comfort with less fat.
The smell of ham and potatoes simmering together instantly transports me to my grandmother's tiny kitchen, where steam would fog up her windowpanes while she stirred whatever she had on hand into something magical.
Last winter, my neighbor texted me at noon saying she'd had a terrible morning and just needed something warm. I threw this together in under an hour, and we sat at her kitchen table watching snow fall while eating bowl after bowl.
Ingredients
- Yukon Gold potatoes: These hold their shape beautifully while still becoming tender enough to melt in your spoon
- Lean ham: Diced small, it infuses every bite with smoky depth without overwhelming the delicate broth
- Low sodium chicken broth: Starting with less salt lets you control the seasoning exactly to your taste
- Fat free half and half: This was my game changer for achieving silky richness without the heavy cream calories
- Fresh thyme: Dried works perfectly here, but fresh adds this bright, earthy note that makes the soup taste restaurant quality
Instructions
- Build your flavor foundation:
- Heat olive oil in your large pot over medium heat, then add onion, celery and carrots, letting them soften and become fragrant for about 5 minutes
- Wake up the garlic:
- Toss in minced garlic and stir constantly for just 1 minute until you can really smell it, being careful not to let it brown
- Add the heart:
- Stir in diced ham and potatoes, cooking them together for 2 minutes so the ham starts to release its smoky essence
- Create the base:
- Sprinkle flour over everything while stirring continuously to coat every piece evenly, which prevents lumps later
- Bring it together:
- Pour in chicken broth gradually while stirring, add thyme, salt and pepper, then bring to a gentle boil
- Let it simmer:
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let everything get cozy for 15 minutes until potatoes yield easily to a fork
- Add the creaminess:
- Pour in milk and half and half, stirring often and heating through for 3 to 5 minutes without letting it come to a boil
- Final touches:
- Taste your chowder and adjust seasoning if needed, then ladle into bowls and finish with fresh parsley if you have it
Save to Pinterest My daughter used to call this 'hug soup' when she was little, and honestly, she nailed it. There's something about the combination of ham and potatoes that feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket.
Getting The Texture Right
I learned the hard way that rushing the potato simmering time leaves you with crunchy bits that ruin the experience. Take those full 15 minutes and test multiple pieces with a fork before moving on.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I throw in frozen corn during the last 5 minutes of simmering, which adds these sweet little pops that contrast perfectly with the savory ham. You could also use turkey ham or even smoked turkey if you want something lighter.
Serving Suggestions
A thick slice of whole grain bread is essential for dunking, and a simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
- Crusty bread makes this a complete meal
- A crisp salad balances the rich texture
- Leftovers freeze surprisingly well for up to two months
Save to Pinterest Whether it is a Tuesday night after work or a lazy weekend lunch, this chowder turns ordinary moments into something worth savoring.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → What type of potatoes work best for this chowder?
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Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and ability to hold shape well during cooking.
- → Can I substitute lean ham with other meats?
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Yes, turkey ham or smoked turkey are great lighter alternatives that complement the flavors nicely.
- → How can the chowder be thickened without flour?
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Partially mashing some potatoes before adding liquids or using a cornstarch slurry can create a creamy thickness.
- → What vegetables are included in this chowder?
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Onions, celery, carrots, and garlic are sautéed to bring sweetness and depth to the broth.
- → Is it possible to make this chowder dairy-free?
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Substitute low-fat milk and half-and-half with plant-based milks like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- → What seasonings enhance the flavor?
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Dried thyme, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt balance and elevate the savory elements.
