New Orleans Potato Soup
A hearty New Orleans-style potato soup with ham, creamy texture, and savory flavors, perfect for comfort food lovers and suitable for casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chopped onion, celery, and chopped ham in a saucepan.
- Add water to cover the ingredients and simmer until tender.
- Whirl the mixture through a blender until smooth.
- Melt margarine in a separate pan, then add flour and milk to make a thin white sauce.
- Add cooked and cubed potatoes, the blended onion, celery, and ham to the white sauce.
- Mix in Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat the soup gently, ensuring it does not boil, before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. If you don't have light cream, you can substitute with half-and-half. Using leftover ham from dishes like Joey'S Meat Loaf can enhance the soup's taste. Ensure to blend the mixture until completely smooth for a creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an added touch. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside American recipes like Country Cabbage And Sausage for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover New Orleans Potato Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of milk or cream if the soup thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Orleans Potato Soup contains roughly 1539 calories, with 34g protein, 266g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (95% of the Daily Value), protein (68% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 849mg per serving (37% 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 soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth instead of water. You may want to add some extra seasoning or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor profile.
What can I use instead of margarine?
You can substitute margarine with butter or olive oil, which will add a different richness to the soup. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well too.
How can I thicken my potato soup?
If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a slurry of flour and water, or by mashing some of the potatoes directly in the soup. Another option is to simmer it a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
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).