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

Scale

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)

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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.