Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with our hearty and flavorful Ham Chowder. This rich and creamy soup is a comforting blend of tender ham, savory bacon, and wholesome vegetables, simmered to perfection in a creamy broth. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a chilly day or served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this Ham Chowder is sure to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. Join us as we explore the recipe and discover how to create this delicious homemade chowder that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
Meat:
- 2 lbs Bacon
- 4 cups Country ham
Produce:
- 1 lb Carrots
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 6 Green onions
- 3 Leeks
- 2 Onions, large
- 6 Potatoes, large
- 4 tbsp Rosemary, dried
Dairy:
- 1 1/2 cups Heavy cream
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Rinse and peel the carrots, garlic cloves, onions, and potatoes. Dice the carrots, onions, and potatoes into small, uniform pieces. Slice the green onions and leeks thinly. Cut the bacon into small pieces. Cube the country ham into bite-sized chunks.
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and browned. Remove the cooked bacon from the pot and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same pot with the rendered bacon fat, add the diced onions, carrots, leeks, and garlic cloves. Sauté the vegetables until they’re softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Potatoes and Ham:
- Add the diced potatoes and cubed country ham to the pot. Stir well to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
- Simmer the Chowder:
- Pour in the chicken or ham stock, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Add the Cream:
- Stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to heat through without boiling. Taste the chowder and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the warm and creamy Ham Chowder into bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of crispy bacon pieces and sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Enhance with Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your chowder. Fresh thyme, parsley, or bay leaves would be wonderful additions to this recipe.
- Cheesy Chowder: For an extra indulgent touch, stir in a cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese or Gruyère cheese into the chowder just before serving. The melted cheese adds a rich and gooey texture to the soup.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and ham to create a delicious vegetarian version of this chowder. Simply increase the quantity of vegetables and add vegetable stock instead of chicken or ham stock.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly Option: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce the carb content of the chowder. Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream for a keto-friendly alternative. Ensure that the bacon and country ham are free from added sugars.
- Low-Carb Adaptation: Use turnips or rutabagas instead of potatoes for a lower-carb option. Skip the onions and leeks or use them sparingly to further reduce the carb count. Opt for a combination of chicken and vegetable stock to keep the carb content minimal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use leftover cooked ham instead of country ham? A: Yes, leftover cooked ham works perfectly fine in this recipe. Simply dice the cooked ham into bite-sized pieces and add it to the chowder during the cooking process.
Q: Can I freeze Ham Chowder for later? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover Ham Chowder in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Can I make this chowder in a slow cooker? A: Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by sautéing the vegetables and bacon in a skillet first, then transferring them to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
Q: Is there a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream? A: Yes, you can use canned coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative such as almond milk or cashew cream in place of heavy cream. Just be aware that it may alter the flavor slightly.
Warm your heart and nourish your body with a comforting bowl of Homemade Ham Chowder. With its rich and creamy texture, savory flavors, and hearty ingredients, this chowder is a true taste of home. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a chilly evening or served as a delightful appetizer at your next gathering, this Ham Chowder is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, simmer up a pot of this delicious soup, and savor the cozy goodness of homemade comfort food at its finest!
