If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and utterly soul-warming, this Ham and Potato Soup (Dairy-Free) Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine tender potatoes melting into a rich broth infused with smoky ham and a fragrant touch of garlic and Italian seasoning—all lovingly simmered to perfection without any dairy. It’s a bowl full of cozy flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, and best of all, it’s simple enough to whip up on any weeknight or for a casual weekend gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to making this soup not just tasty but memorable. Each element plays a starring role, building layers of flavor, adding texture, or bringing vibrant color to the bowl.
- Carrot: Adds subtle sweetness and beautiful orange color, balancing the smoky ham.
- Celery: Brings a fresh, crisp base flavor that enhances the soup’s depth.
- Onion: Provides a natural savory sweetness when sautéed, forming the soup’s backbone.
- Olive oil: Perfect for sautéeing veggies gently without overpowering their natural taste.
- Smoked ham: The star ingredient that infuses the broth with a deliciously smoky, meaty richness.
- Russet potatoes: These absorb the broth beautifully and have a creamy texture once cooked.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant punch that brightens every spoonful.
- Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that adds a subtle earthy complexity.
- Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base of the soup, enhancing but not overpowering.
- Water: Lightens the broth just enough for a perfectly balanced soup.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors.
How to Make Ham and Potato Soup (Dairy-Free) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by prepping your carrot, celery, and onion, then toss them into a large soup pot with a splash of olive oil. Over medium-high heat, sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the veggies soften and release their sweet aromas. This step is key for building a flavorful base that will carry the whole soup.
Step 2: Prep Your Ham and Potatoes
While the vegetables are cooking, get your smoked ham cut into small, bite-size pieces, and peel and chop the Russet potatoes into roughly 1-inch chunks. You can do this at the start if you prefer, but multitasking helps save time!
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Next, stir in the minced garlic to the softened veggies and let it sauté just until fragrant. Then, add your ham, potatoes, Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Crank the heat up to high so it comes to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot with the lid slightly askew, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for tender potatoes that practically fall apart under a fork—this will help create that perfect creamy texture without any dairy.
Step 4: Mash and Season
Using a potato masher, lightly mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot to thicken the broth and add texture variety. I love having a mix of chunky and smooth in my soup. Finally, season with salt and pepper to your taste, give it a good stir, and it’s ready to serve. Bonus: this soup only gets better the next day as the flavors mingle!
How to Serve Ham and Potato Soup (Dairy-Free) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness. Crispy fried onions or crumbled dairy-free bacon bits can add wonderful crunch and visual appeal. A drizzle of good quality olive oil can also add richness without dairy.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty rustic bread or warm, buttered dinner rolls—perfect for dipping into that luscious broth. For a lighter side, a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal veggies complement the richness without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in charming rustic mugs or deep bowls for a cozy vibe. For entertaining, consider serving it alongside a board of dairy-free cheeses and pickles. Or, spoon it into hollowed-out small bread loaves for a fun, edible bowl that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The potatoes will soak up even more flavor overnight, making leftovers a real treat.
Freezing
If you want to stash this comfort food away for another time, freeze your soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just be aware that potatoes might become a bit grainy after freezing, so I recommend enjoying fresh when possible for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if it thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid high heat to keep the flavors well-rounded and prevent the soup from breaking down too far.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ham for this soup?
Absolutely! While smoked ham gives the best flavor, you can use any cooked ham you have on hand. Just make sure it’s cut into small pieces so it heats through evenly.
Is there a substitute for chicken broth?
You can substitute vegetable broth to keep the soup fully dairy-free and vegetarian-friendly, though the flavor will be a bit lighter without the chicken base.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add peas, corn, or green beans towards the end of cooking for added color and nutrition. Just be mindful of their cooking times so they don’t get mushy.
How do I make this soup thicker?
Mashing more of the potatoes in the soup will naturally thicken it. Alternatively, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-fat diet?
Yes, this soup is relatively low in fat thanks to the olive oil and lean ham, plus the lack of any cream makes it lighter than traditional chowders.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to savor a rich, comforting soup without any dairy fuss, I can’t recommend this Ham and Potato Soup (Dairy-Free) Recipe enough. It’s straightforward to make, packed full of flavor, and downright satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, giving this recipe a try will surely make it a fast favorite in your rotation. Happy cooking and happy slurping!
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Ham and Potato Soup (Dairy-Free) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This hearty Ham and Potato Soup is a comforting dairy-free recipe perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender smoked ham, tender potatoes, and a medley of sautéed vegetables, it’s a satisfyingly creamy soup achieved without any dairy. The use of Italian seasoning and garlic adds depth of flavor, while the gentle simmering allows the potatoes to soften perfectly. Easy to prepare and ideal for leftovers, this soup makes a wonderful family meal or a cozy lunch.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large carrot (peeled & chopped)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped finely)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2.5 pounds Russet potatoes (peeled & cut into 1″ pieces)
Meat
- 1 pound smoked ham (cut into small pieces)
Liquids & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Prep your celery, carrot, and onion and add them to a large soup pot with the olive oil. Sauté for 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
- Prepare Ham and Potatoes: While the vegetables sauté, cut the smoked ham into small pieces and peel and cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces. You can also prep these at the start if preferred.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer: Stir in the minced garlic into the sautéed vegetables, then add the ham, potatoes, Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring to a gentle boil. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar, reduce heat to maintain a simmer, and cook for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are tender and beginning to fall apart.
- Mash Potatoes Lightly and Season: Using a potato masher, lightly mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot to create a mix of chunky and mashed potatoes. Season the soup well with salt and pepper, then serve immediately. The soup is even better the next day after flavors deepen.
Notes
- This soup is dairy-free and naturally creamy due to the potatoes.
- Using smoked ham adds a lovely depth of flavor, but you can substitute with cooked diced ham if needed.
- For a thicker soup, mash more potatoes or cook a bit longer.
- Leftovers reheat wonderfully and develop richer flavor after a day.
- Adjust seasoning gradually, especially salt, depending on your broth’s sodium content.
