Description
Hearty ham and potato corn chowder brings comfort from classic American kitchens, blending smoky ham with creamy potatoes and sweet corn kernels. Warm spoons of this soul-satisfying soup invite diners to savor rich, homemade flavors that connect directly to culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups frozen corn (or fresh corn kernels)
- 2 cups peeled and diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt, to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley (optional)
- Crumbled bacon (optional)
Instructions
- Flavor Foundation: Sauté diced onions in olive oil over medium heat until translucent, then quickly toast minced garlic to release its aromatic essence.
- Liquid Preparation: Pour chicken broth into the pot, add cubed potatoes, thyme, black pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, allowing potatoes to soften and absorb flavors for 10-12 minutes.
- Ingredient Integration: Stir in corn kernels and diced ham, letting the mixture gently simmer and meld flavors for 4-5 minutes until heated through.
- Creamy Transformation: Whisk flour into heavy cream until smooth, then slowly incorporate the mixture into the chowder, stirring constantly to create a velvety texture without lumps.
- Finishing Touches: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning to taste. Serve piping hot in warm bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose high-quality potatoes that are waxy and firm, like Yukon Gold, which hold their shape better during cooking and provide a creamy texture to the chowder.
- Prevent Potato Discoloration: Dice potatoes just before adding to the pot and keep them in cold water to prevent browning and maintain their fresh appearance throughout the cooking process.
- Control Cream Consistency: Whisk flour and cream thoroughly to avoid lumps, ensuring a smooth, silky texture that enhances the chowder’s overall richness without creating a grainy finish.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and use lean ham or turkey bacon to reduce overall fat content while maintaining robust flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 354
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 83 mg