Hearty Potato-Ham Chowder
A hearty and comforting potato-ham chowder packed with tender potatoes, sweet corn, and savory ham, perfect for a cozy family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 Russet potatoes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp flour ⓘ
- 1/3 cup water ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 2 cups diced cooked ham ⓘ
Instructions
- Peel and dice the potatoes.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter or margarine.
- Add sliced green onions and chopped green peppers; cook until tender.
- Add diced potatoes, 2 cups water, salt, white pepper, and paprika.
- Cover and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- In a small bowl, make a paste of flour and 1/3 cup water.
- Stir the flour paste into the potato mixture, stirring constantly to make it smooth.
- Add milk and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.
- Stir in drained corn and diced cooked ham.
- Heat thoroughly and serve garnished with chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked ham or adding a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture. If you want a vegetarian version, replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of water. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder warm, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a festive twist, try serving it alongside Roast Pork Wraps With Cranberry Mustard for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess, or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Potato-Ham Chowder contains roughly 1166 calories, with 10g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 96g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1239mg per serving (54% 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 make this chowder in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chowder ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove. However, the potatoes may absorb some liquid, so add a bit of milk or water when reheating to restore the desired consistency.
What can I substitute for green peppers?
If you don't have green peppers, you can use diced celery or zucchini for similar texture and flavor. Alternatively, try adding diced carrots for a sweeter taste and a pop of color in your chowder.
Can I freeze the chowder?
While you can freeze the chowder, it's best to do so without the milk. Freeze the base with potatoes, ham, and corn, and then add the milk when reheating for a smoother texture. Consume within 2-3 months for the best quality.
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).