Chunky Ham And Potato Chowder

Total Time: 35 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 7
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (can use leeks also)
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic (optional)
• 1/4 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (can use more if you really like thyme!)
• salt and pepper
• 6 cups half-and-half cream
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 4 cups chopped cooked ham (can use cooked smoked turkey also)
• 2 cups instant potato flakes
• 4 -5 cups diced cooked potatoes, cut into about 1/2-inch cubes

Recipe

• 1 cook the cubed potatoes in boiling water until firm-tender (do not overcook, this should take only about 8-10 minutes or even less) drain; set aside.
• 2 in a dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed sauepan, saute onion or leeks and garlic (if using) until the onion is soft (about 3-4 minutes).
• 3 add in thyme, salt and pepper; cook for 1 minute to release the thyme flavor.
• 4 add in half and half and whipping cream; cook and stir over medium heat until warm (not hot) careful not to scorch.
• 5 add in grated parmesan cheese and cooked cubed ham; cook, stirring for about 7-8 minutes on medium heat, or until the cream is heated to almost hot.
• 6 stir potato buds or flakes; cook over medium-low heat, stirring until mixture is thickened, this might take about 8-10 minutes or more, the potato flakes will thicken up after about 8-10 minutes (if necessary add in more whipping cream or half and half to thin to desired consistancy).
• 7 this is really not neccesary, but i like to mash about 1/4 cup cooked potatoes and add them into the soup, and just stir them inches.
• 8 add in cooked diced potatoes or you can even add them in at the table.
• 9 spoon into bowls, and sprinkle with more parmesan cheese if desired or grated cheddar cheese).
• 10 delicious!