Description
This Light Ham Potato Chowder is a comforting, creamy soup made with tender Yukon Gold potatoes, lean ham, sweet corn, and fresh aromatics. It’s a delicious and healthier take on traditional chowder, using low-fat milk and light cream to keep it light yet flavorful. Perfect for a cozy meal that satisfies without heaviness.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup frozen or fresh sweet corn kernels
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Meat
- 1 cup lean cooked ham, diced
Dairy
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1/2 cup half-and-half or light cream
Liquids & Others
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, optional for thickening
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced celery, then sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables become soft and aromatic.
- Build flavor foundation: Stir in the minced garlic and diced lean cooked ham; cook for an additional 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the ham is heated through.
- Simmer base ingredients: Add the peeled and diced Yukon Gold potatoes, sweet corn kernels, dried thyme, and low-sodium chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Thicken broth: (Optional) In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the simmering pot and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to allow the broth to thicken slightly.
- Finish with cream: Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the low-fat milk and half-and-half or light cream. Heat the chowder without bringing it to a boil. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
- Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this light and flavorful ham potato chowder.
Notes
- Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt content for a healthier dish.
- The cornstarch is optional but recommended if you prefer a thicker chowder consistency.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead.
- This chowder reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute half-and-half with light cream or additional low-fat milk depending on your preference for richness.
