To make a creamy and delicious crockpot ham and potato soup, start with quality ham and creamy russet or Yukon gold potatoes. Dice ham and cube potatoes, then add them to your crockpot with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and your choice of chicken or vegetable broth. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours for a rich, flavorful soup. Serve it hot with crusty bread or salad for a complete meal, and enjoy the high protein, low-calorie benefits. Discover how this soup can transform your meal routine.
Key Soup Components
When you're preparing a delicious crockpot ham and potato soup, understanding the key components is vital.
Start by choosing the right potatoes; russet or Yukon gold work best for their creamy texture. Fresh vegetables are essential for flavor depth, so add carrots, celery, and onions.
Don't forget the broth—either chicken or vegetable broth provides a robust base.
Here's a simple list to guide you:
- Potatoes: Opt for russet or Yukon gold for their creaminess.
- Vegetables: Include carrots, celery, and onions for added flavor.
- Broth: Use chicken or vegetable broth as your base.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and thyme enhance the taste.
These components guarantee your soup is savory and satisfying, making it a perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly day.
Ham Quality Impacts Flavor
When you're making ham and potato soup, the quality of ham you choose directly affects its flavor.
Opt for premium cuts and explore flavorful varieties like smoked or honey-glazed to enhance your soup.
Remember to balance saltiness levels to guarantee a deliciously harmonious dish.
Selecting Premium Ham
To truly elevate the flavor of your crockpot ham and potato soup, it's important to select premium ham.
Begin by looking for ham with a deep pink color, indicating freshness. Avoid hams with an overly processed, pale appearance, as they might lack flavor. Check the label for minimal additives and preservatives, promoting a more natural taste.
Opt for bone-in ham when possible, as the bone enriches the soup's flavor during cooking.
Next, assess the ham's texture. It should feel firm to the touch, not slimy or sticky. This firmness suggests a well-cured product.
Don't forget to check for marbling, as fat interspersed throughout the meat adds richness and depth to your dish.
Selecting a premium ham guarantees a soup that's both creamy and delicious.
Flavorful Ham Varieties
Choosing the right variety of ham can make all the difference in your soup's flavor profile. You want to take into account options that complement the creamy texture of your crockpot soup.
Smoky hams, like those from the Black Forest or Virginia, add a rich depth that pairs beautifully with potatoes. If you prefer a sweeter note, honey or maple glazed hams infuse a subtle sweetness that balances well with savory ingredients.
For a more robust taste, try a country ham, known for its intense, cured flavor. Don't overlook spiral-cut hams; they're convenient and guarantee even flavor distribution throughout the soup.
Balancing Saltiness Levels
Balancing the saltiness in your ham and potato soup is essential for achieving a harmonious flavor.
Start by choosing a quality ham, as its saltiness varies greatly. If your ham tastes particularly salty, rinse it under cold water before adding it to the crockpot. This simple step can prevent overpowering your soup.
As you cook, taste the soup periodically. If it seems too salty, you can add more potatoes or a splash of cream to balance it out. These ingredients are excellent for absorbing excess saltiness.
Avoid adding additional salt until the very end, once all other flavors have melded.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing a warm and comforting crockpot ham and potato soup is simple and rewarding. Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious meal for your family or guests.
Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Tools****
- Description: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients and tools.
- Ingredients Needed:
- 1 lb of diced cooked ham
- 2 lbs of peeled and cubed potatoes
- 1 diced onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- salt, and pepper to taste.
- Tools Needed:
- Crockpot/slow cooker
- knife
- cutting board
- measuring cups
- spoon.
- Tip: Verify all ingredients are prepped before starting to cook for a smoother process.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot
- Description: Place the prepared ingredients into the crockpot.
- Action: Layer the diced potatoes, ham, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
- Tip: To avoid a mushy texture, confirm the potatoes are evenly cubed and not too small.
Step 3: Add the Liquid Ingredients****
- Description: Pour in the chicken broth.
- Action: Carefully pour 4 cups of chicken broth over the layered ingredients in the crockpot.
- Tip: Verify the broth covers the ingredients completely to confirm even cooking.
Step 4: Season the Soup****
- Description: Add seasonings.
- Action: Add salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the ham is already salty.
- Common Mistake to Avoid: Over-seasoning. Start with a small amount of salt and pepper and adjust later if needed.
Step 5: Set the Crockpot****
- Description: Set the crockpot to cook.
- Action: Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
- Tip: Cooking on LOW will result in more tender potatoes and a richer flavor.
Step 6: Add Cream and Thicken****
- Description: Add cream to finish the soup.
- Action: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream to the soup.
- Tip: If a thicker consistency is desired, mash some of the potatoes in the crockpot with a fork or potato masher.
Step 7: Final Taste Test****
- Description: Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Action: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary with additional salt and pepper.
- Tip: Let the soup rest for a few minutes after adjusting seasoning for flavors to meld.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy****
- Description: Serve the soup hot.
- Action: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with green onions or shredded cheese if desired.
- Tip: Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Chop Vegetables Finely
When it comes to chopping vegetables finely for your ham and potato soup, precision is key to achieving the perfect texture.
Start by selecting fresh onions, celery, and carrots, as they form the soup's aromatic base. Use a sharp chef's knife for clean cuts—dull knives can crush instead of slice.
Dice onions into small, even pieces; this helps them melt seamlessly into the broth. For celery, slice thinly across the ribs to maintain crunch without overpowering.
Carrots should be peeled and chopped into small cubes, guaranteeing they cook evenly. Keep your fingers tucked in, using a claw grip for safety.
Consistent sizes guarantee even cooking, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every spoonful of your delicious soup.
Slow Simmer for Rich Flavor
A symphony of flavors awaits as you begin the slow simmer process for your ham and potato soup. Set your crockpot to low, allowing the ingredients to meld over several hours. This gentle heat lets the flavors deepen, creating a rich, hearty base.
Add your chopped vegetables, ham, and spices to the pot. Pour in enough chicken broth to cover them completely. Stir everything gently, ensuring even distribution. Cover the crockpot with the lid, and let the magic happen over the next 6-8 hours.
Resist the temptation to lift the lid, as this releases precious steam and slows down cooking. Patience is key.
As the hours pass, your kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma, promising a creamy, delicious soup.
Calorie and Protein Content
With each serving of this hearty ham and potato soup, you'll enjoy a satisfying balance of calories and protein. This comforting dish offers you the warmth of a home-cooked meal without overloading your diet. A typical serving size provides just the right amount of energy to keep you going throughout the day, while the protein content supports muscle maintenance and growth.
Here's a quick breakdown:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 20 grams |
These values make it an excellent choice for a nourishing meal. You can savor the rich flavors without worrying about excess calories. Plus, the protein from the ham and potatoes guarantees you're getting the nutrients you need. Enjoy your meal and feel great!
Conclusion
You've now mastered the art of crafting a crockpot ham and potato soup that's so creamy and delicious, it could make a gourmet chef weep with envy. By choosing quality ham and following these simple steps, you've created a masterpiece that's not only flavorful but also packed with the protein you need. So, grab a bowl, plunge in, and savor every spoonful of this comforting, heartwarming soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.
