Cheesy Ham and Vegetable Soup

Ham & Cheese Soup Recipe

Overview

Ham & Cheese Soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect for using up leftover ham or incorporating fresh vegetables. It’s a quick and easy recipe, ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a hearty, warming soup. This family favorite combines the richness of cheese with the savory goodness of ham, creating a satisfying meal in a bowl.

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup carrot, chopped
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/8 tsp ground mustard
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Saute Vegetables: In a large saucepan over medium heat, saute the chopped onion, celery, carrot, parsley, and garlic in butter for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

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2. Add Seasonings: Stir in the flour, ground mustard, and black pepper. Cook and stir for another minute to cook the flour slightly and incorporate the spices.

3. Incorporate Ham: Add the diced ham to the pan. Cook and stir for 1 minute, ensuring the ham is well coated with the vegetable mixture.

4. Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.

5. Simmer: Cook the soup, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.

6. Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking and stirring until the cheese is fully incorporated. Be careful not to let the soup boil at this stage.

7. Serve: Once the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through, it’s ready to serve. Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional shredded cheese or parsley if desired.

8. Note: Avoid boiling the soup once the cheese is added to prevent it from becoming stringy or separating.

Tips for Success

• Prep Efficiency: Use a food processor to chop the vegetables and ham quickly, which helps speed up the preparation time.
• Cheese Melting: To ensure a smooth texture, add the cheese gradually and stir continuously over low heat until fully melted.
• Variations: Feel free to add chopped broccoli, cauliflower, or other vegetables of your choice to make the soup even heartier and more nutritious.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 333.8
• Total Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14.5g
• Cholesterol: 77.5mg
• Sodium: 850.4mg
• Carbohydrates: 10.4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 1.9g
• Protein: 19.2g

Serving and Yield

• Yield: 8-10 bowls, depending on serving size.
• Serve With: Crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Ham & Cheese Soup is a versatile recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With its creamy texture, savory ham, and cheesy goodness, it’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re using up leftovers or making it fresh, this soup is bound to satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy this delicious bowl of warmth and flavor!