🍲 Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Method

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1–2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
5. Add the potatoes, ham, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
7. Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Simmer for another 5–8 minutes without boiling.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with crusty bread.