Danish Potato Soup
A hearty Danish potato soup featuring ham, fresh vegetables, cream, and a hint of nutmeg, perfect for comforting meals and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a soup kettle, bring ham bone and 2 quarts water to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until the meat pulls away from the bone.
- Remove the ham bone.
- When cool enough to handle, trim any meat and dice.
- Discard the bone.
- Return the ham to the kettle along with potatoes, green onions, celery, parsley, cabbage, and carrots; cook for 40 minutes.
- Stir together flour and 1/4 cup cold water to make a slurry.
- Slowly pour the flour mixture into the soup, stirring constantly.
- Bring the soup to a boil and cook for 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in the light cream.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle a dash of nutmeg on each bowlful just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the cream. If you don't have a ham bone, use diced ham or smoked sausage as a substitute. Fresh herbs like dill or thyme can enhance the flavor profile. Adjust the thickness by varying the amount of flour mixture added. This soup can also be a great base for adding leftover vegetables from other meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional chopped green onions and parsley for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Pork Tenderloin Piquant or a side of Lithuania Kugelis.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Danish Potato Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to restore its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Danish Potato Soup contains roughly 931 calories, with 32g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (147% of the Daily Value), and iron (142% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 970mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of pre-cooked?
Yes, fresh potatoes can be used in this recipe. Simply peel and dice them before adding to the soup. They will cook in the same timeframe as indicated, so ensure they are tender by the end of the cooking process.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ham bone and using vegetable broth instead of water. Add mushrooms or tempeh for extra flavor and protein, and adjust the seasonings to taste.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, this soup can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so slowly, as freezing can alter the texture of the cream.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).