Chunky Potato and Ham Soup

This is one of our favorite soups for a cold winter day.  I have made this several times and there has never been a need ot adjust anything other than the salt, based on the ham you select. 

I used a package of pre-cubed ham this time.  It seems that ham is really expensive lately.  So, if you don't want to purchase a full piece of ham, the pre-cubed works well.  It was just about $5.00 for the package.

Chunky Potato and Ham Soup (makes 8 servings)

3 large red potatoes

2 cups water

1 onion, small

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

crushed red pepper flakes

1 ½ cups milk

1 ½ cups half and half

½ teaspoon sugar

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup ham, cooked and cubed

1. Peel potatoes and cut into 1-inch cubes.

2. Bring water to a boil in large saucepan. Add potatoes and cook until tender. Drain, reserving liquid. Set aside potatoes. Measure 1 cup cooking liquid, adding water, if necessary; set aside.

3. Peel and finely chop onion. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add onion to saucepan; cook, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent and tender, but not brown.

4. Add flour to saucepan; season with pepper flakes and black pepper to taste. Cook 3-4 minutes.

5. Gradually add potatoes, reserved 1 cup cooking liquid, milk, half and half, and sugar to onion mixture in saucepan; stir well. Add cheese and ham. Simmer over low heat 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve.