Ham and Corn Chowder
This quick and hearty soup comes together with relatively little effort for rich results. You can vary the ingredients to reflect what you have on hand but this variation relies on the smoky nature of the ham and sweetness of the corn to balance each other in a perfect bowl of soup for a chilly and wet day. Enjoy this chowder with some crusty bread and a salad to make a simple but satisfying meal.
Ham and Corn Chowder
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for sauteeing
- 1 large onion, chopped
- ½ pound ham, diced
- 2 cups broth (chicken, vegetable or ham)
- 1 ½ cups milk (soy, almond or dairy)
- 3-4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups frozen corn, regular or roasted (available from Trader Joe’s and some specialty food stores)
- ½ to 1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or 2 tablespoons flour mixed into ¼ cup cold water (optional)
- Coarse ground pepper
- Green onion, chopped (optional)
- Diced ham, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Saute onion in butter or oil until translucent and just starting to brown. Add ham, potatoes and broth and bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer for 15-18 minutes or until potatoes are soft. Stir in milk, corn and cheese, if using. If soup isn’t thickened to your desired texture once the cheese is melted and mixed in, thicken with flour or cornstarch slurry and cook for a few more minutes, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Season to taste with pepper and top with a sprinkle of cheese and/or a little more diced ham and green onion to serve.
