Delicious Ham and Potato Soup

               Photo by Carrie S.

Found on allrecipes.com

Just a Note:  This is a very versatile recipe.  You can substitute pretty much any potato but the more starchy potatoes work best to thicken up the soup a little more.  Don't worry too much about how much you put in.  It doesn't have to be exact.  I like more potatoes so I always throw in a few more.  You can also substitute the ham for bacon.  I usually top off my soup with some shredded cheddar cheese.

Delicious Ham and Potato Soup

• 3 1/2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
• 1/3 cup diced celery
• 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
• 3/4 cup diced cooked ham
• 3 1/4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground white or black pepper, or to taste
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk

Directions

1. Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham and water in a stockpot. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the chicken bouillon, salt and pepper.
2. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour with a fork, and cook, stirring constantly until thick, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk as not to allow lumps to form until all of the milk has been added. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot, and cook soup until heated through. Serve immediately.