Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

  Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

Source: adapted from Allrecipes

Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups peeled and diced potatoes

3 tbl dried onion
1/2 cup carrot, shredded
1 cup diced cooked ham (buy a ham steak in the deli section)
3 1/2 chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 tsp, or to taste
4 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk


Instructions:
1.Combine the potatoes, onion, carrot, ham and chicken broth in a stockpot. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the salt and pepper. 

2.In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour with a fork, and cook, stirring constantly until thick, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk so that lumps don't form and until all of the milk has been added. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 4 to 5 minutes. 

3.Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot, and cook soup until heated through. 

4. Top with cheddar cheese, chives, and bacon if desired. Serve immediately. 
  
5. Makes 6 servings