SWEET POTATO HAM & CORN CHOWDER

Sweet Potato Ham & Corn Chowder

Between the sub-zero temps we've been having this week and Skipper down with a BAD cold and cough, it's been a week for warm, hearty and satisfying soups at our house!  And this Sweet Potato Ham & Corn Chowder has long been a family favorite!  Loaded with flavor, loaded with wonderful texture, and so silky and creamy that you just want to gobble up a bowl fast! 

​Have you ever had a bowl of soup that had more color and flavor than this?  Even the few kiddos that aren't too crazy about sweet potatoes absolutely LOVE this hearty chowder!

Creamy Sweet Potato Ham & Corn Chowder

I don't know about you, but when I decide to make soup, it's go big or go home!  I usually figure out one, two or three different favorites that I'm going to make, and then we get busy in the kitchen prepping all the ingredients - chopped all the vegies, cutting up the meat into nice pieces (rotisserie chicken or leftover ham are GREAT in soups), measuring out the broth, egg noodles or rice, and all those special seasonings.  There's something that just feels so healthy and satisfying about creating soup from scratch, don't you think?  And my personal recommendation is MIchael Buble playing in the background - so relaxing to chop and cook with!  And who cares if we're all singing along as well?

​And after all that goodness has had a chance to simmer and magically turn into fabulous soups, stews or chowder, I've got meals ready for several days, and batches waiting in the fridge for lunches, or labeled and placed in the freezer to pull out on a busy weeknight. 

This recipe truly is a classic!  Well worth the little bit of time it takes to prep and get on the stove.  The flavor is out-of-this-world wonderful and your tummy (and your family & friends) will thank you!

​Hope you get a chance to make this and stay warm on a cold winter night!

Sweet Potato Ham & Corn Chowder

SWEET POTATO HAM & CORN CHOWDER

This flavorful Sweet Potato Ham & Corn Chowder has always been a family favorite!  Ham compliments the sweet potatoes, carrots, corn and other fresh vegetables and herbs, in an incredibly creamy, cheesy and silky broth filled with rich flavor.  

​Perfect on a cold winter night, served with crusty bread or savory crackers.

​INGREDIENTS:
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1-1/4 cups yellow onion (chopped)
1 cup carrots (peeled & diced)
1 cup celery (sliced)
1 cup red bell pepper (chopped)
1 Tablespoon minced roasted garlic
32 oz. low-sodium chicken broth
3 cups sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes)
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt & black pepper (to taste)
5 Tablespoons butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1-1/2 cups hickory smoked ham (cut into small chunks or cubes -  leftover ham works well)
1-1/2 cups corn (we prefer niblets)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
 
GARNISH WITH:
Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
Fresh parsley
 
HOW I MAKE THIS:

1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.  Add onions, carrots and celery and saute for 4 minutes.  Add red bell pepper and garlic and saute for 1 additional minute.
2. Add chicken broth, sweet potatoes, basil, thyme and salt and pepper to taste.  Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes and vegetables are tender.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan melt butter over medium heat.  Add flour and cook for 1 minute while whisking constantly.  While whisking, slowly pour in milk and cook, stirring constantly until mixture begins to lightly bubble and thicken.  Stir in ham and corn, and season with salt and pepper to taste. 
4. Slowly pour thickened milk mixture to soup mixture and stir constantly until the mixture comes to a light boil; remove from heat.  Stir in sharp cheddar cheese and parsley, blend well.
5. Ladle soup into individual bowls and serve warm with additional shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley. 

YIELD:  6 servings
​
NOTE:  Soup will thicken as it cools; add additional milk to thin if necessary or when reheating.

Originally posted March 2013; revised 2018 & reposted January 2020.

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