Hearty Ham Chowder: A Comforting Bowl of Deliciousness
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of chowder on a chilly day. And when that chowder is packed with savory ham, tender potatoes, and creamy goodness, it becomes an instant favorite. This recipe for Hearty Ham Chowder is exactly that – a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch.
This recipe offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. The saltiness of the ham complements the sweetness of the corn, while the potatoes add a creamy heartiness. The aromatic vegetables and herbs create a flavorful base that ties everything together. Each spoonful is a delightful experience.
## Why This Ham Chowder is a Winner
* **Comfort Food at its Best:** Hearty Ham Chowder is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, filling, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, even for beginner cooks. With just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can have a delicious pot of chowder simmering in no time.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Ham chowder is a great way to use up leftover ham, making it a budget-friendly meal option. You can also customize the recipe with other affordable ingredients like potatoes, corn, and onions.
* **Versatile:** Feel free to adapt this recipe to your liking. Add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or peas. Use different types of potatoes, or experiment with various seasonings.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** This chowder is great for meal prepping. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days. It also freezes well, so you can have a comforting meal ready whenever you need it.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:
* **Ham:** 1-2 cups, cooked and diced (leftover ham is ideal, but you can also use ham steaks or deli ham)
* **Potatoes:** 2-3 medium, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well)
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped
* **Celery:** 2 stalks, chopped
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Corn:** 1 cup, frozen or canned (drained)
* **Chicken Broth:** 4 cups (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
* **Milk:** 1 cup (whole milk or 2% milk will give the chowder a richer flavor)
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup (optional, for extra creaminess)
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 tablespoons
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Dried Thyme:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Bay Leaf:** 1 (optional)
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped, for garnish (optional)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make a delicious pot of Hearty Ham Chowder:
**Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables**
* In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and celery and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
**Step 2: Make a Roux**
* Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will create a roux, which will help to thicken the chowder.
**Step 3: Add the Broth and Potatoes**
* Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to dissolve any lumps of flour.
* Add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, and bay leaf (if using).
* Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
**Step 4: Add the Ham and Corn**
* Stir in the diced ham and corn.
* Cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the ham is heated through and the corn is tender.
**Step 5: Stir in the Milk and Cream**
* Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk and heavy cream (if using).
* Heat gently, being careful not to boil.
**Step 6: Season and Serve**
* Season the chowder with salt and pepper to taste.
* Remove the bay leaf (if using).
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve hot and enjoy!
## Tips for the Perfect Ham Chowder
* **Use High-Quality Ham:** The flavor of the ham is crucial to the success of this chowder. Choose a high-quality ham that you enjoy eating. Leftover ham from a holiday dinner is an excellent option.
* **Don’t Overcook the Potatoes:** Overcooked potatoes can become mushy and ruin the texture of the chowder. Cook them until they are tender but still hold their shape.
* **Adjust the Thickness:** If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the chowder until it reaches your desired consistency.
* **Add a Touch of Spice:** For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chowder.
* **Let it Simmer:** Allowing the chowder to simmer for a longer period of time will help the flavors to meld together and create a richer, more complex taste.
* **Garnish Generously:** A sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or a few crispy croutons can add a delightful finishing touch to your bowl of chowder.
* **Consider Bacon:** Adding crispy bacon bits on top of the soup adds a smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch.
## Variations and Substitutions
This Hearty Ham Chowder recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to your liking. Here are a few variations and substitutions to try:
* **Smoked Ham Chowder:** Use smoked ham instead of regular ham for a smoky flavor.
* **Seafood Chowder:** Add shrimp, scallops, or clams to the chowder for a seafood twist.
* **Vegetarian Chowder:** Omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, and mushrooms.
* **Spicy Chowder:** Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
* **Cheesy Chowder:** Add shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese to the chowder during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Creamy Potato Chowder:** Add more potatoes and less broth for a creamier, potato-focused chowder.
* **Sweet Potato Chowder:** Substitute some of the regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter, more colorful chowder.
* **Corn Chowder:** Increase the amount of corn for a sweeter and more corn-centric chowder.
* **Gluten-Free Chowder:** Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make a gluten-free version of this chowder.
* **Dairy-Free Chowder:** Substitute the milk and heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
## Serving Suggestions
Hearty Ham Chowder is a satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides:
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve the chowder with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic pairing with tomato soup, but it also goes well with ham chowder.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad or a Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich chowder.
* **Cornbread:** Cornbread is a natural complement to ham chowder.
* **Crackers:** Serve with oyster crackers or saltines for a crunchy element.
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover ham chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, freeze the chowder in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
## Reheating Instructions
* **Stovetop:** Reheat the chowder in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the chowder in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 20-25 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 25-35 grams
## Get Creative with your Chowder
Don’t be afraid to play around with this recipe. Think about adding different spices (smoked paprika can add depth), or even using different types of cheese on top. A swirl of pesto can add a burst of fresh flavor. The possibilities are endless! This chowder is also a great way to sneak in extra veggies. Consider adding chopped carrots, bell peppers, or even zucchini.
This Hearty Ham Chowder recipe is a classic for a reason. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a delicious bowl of homemade chowder!
Enjoy!