CHEESY HAM AND POTATO SOUP

By bklynmommy

Ingredients

• 3 Med. red potatoes
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 - 1/2 c. onion (depending on personal preference)
• 3 Tbsp flour
• 3 tablespoons butter
• Black pepper
• 3 cups milk
• 1 – 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I really like Cheddar – Jack, too)
• 1 – 2 cups cubed cooked ham

Details

Adapted from jbeanrecipes.blogspot.com

Preparation

Step 1

Bring water and salt to a boil; add potatoes and cook until tender. Drain; reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid – add water to measure a cup if necessary, I always have to. Melt butter in a saucepan (I like to use the same one I boiled the potatoes in) over medium heat. Saute chopped onion in the hot butter until tender. Add flour and stir until smooth. Season with pepper; continue to cook and stir for about a minute. Add potatoes, the 1 cup of cooking water, and milk. Stir well; add ham. Simmer soup over low heat, stirring frequently, for about 15 -20 minutes. I like to add the cheese last, keeps it from burning on the bottom of the pan. Stir in the cheese and let it cook for a few more minutes. You can serve it right away, but I like to take it off the heat and let it thicken for a minute or so before eating. Soup serves 4-6.