Ham And Potatoe Corn Chowder

Introducing the comforting and hearty Ham and Potato Corn Chowder: a soul-warming bowl of goodness that combines tender chunks of ham, creamy potatoes, and sweet corn kernels in a rich and flavorful broth. This classic chowder is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or lazy weekends when you crave something warm and satisfying. With simple yet wholesome ingredients like carrots, celery, and onions, simmered to perfection with fragrant herbs and spices, this recipe promises to fill your home with irresistible aromas and your belly with pure delight. Let’s dive into the cozy world of homemade chowder and discover the joy of a bowlful of comfort, garnished with crispy bacon and fresh chives.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Comforting and Hearty: This Ham and Potato Corn Chowder is the epitome of comfort food, offering a warm and satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy nights in or chilly days. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ham, and sweet corn in a creamy broth is sure to warm both body and soul.

Rich and Creamy Texture: With a luxurious base of heavy cream and milk, this chowder boasts a rich and creamy texture that’s incredibly indulgent. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a comforting hug in a bowl.

Flavorful Ingredients: From the fragrant herbs like thyme and oregano to the savory diced ham and aromatic vegetables like onions and celery, every ingredient in this recipe contributes to a depth of flavor that’s truly irresistible.

Customizable: While this recipe provides a delicious base, it’s also highly customizable. You can add additional vegetables, adjust the seasoning to your taste, or even swap out ingredients to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

Easy to Make: Despite its rich and complex flavor, this chowder is surprisingly easy to make. With straightforward instructions and simple ingredients, it’s accessible to cooks of all skill levels.

Family-Friendly: This chowder is sure to please the whole family, from picky eaters to adventurous foodies. It’s a comforting and familiar dish that’s bound to become a household favorite.

Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe is great for meal prep or making ahead of time, as it reheats beautifully and tastes just as delicious the next day. Plus, it freezes well, so you can enjoy a taste of comfort whenever the craving strikes.

Key Ingredients:

Diced Cooked Ham: Tender and savory, the diced ham adds a hearty and flavorful element to the chowder, providing protein and depth of taste.

Red Potatoes: Diced into hearty chunks, the red potatoes lend a creamy texture and earthy flavor to the chowder, making it satisfying and comforting.

Corn Kernels: Sweet and crunchy, the corn kernels add a burst of freshness and sweetness to the chowder, complementing the savory flavors of the ham and potatoes.

Chicken Broth: Acting as the flavorful base of the chowder, the chicken broth infuses the dish with rich, savory notes, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.

Heavy Cream and Milk: Together, these dairy ingredients create a luxuriously creamy texture in the chowder, making it rich and indulgent.

Butter: Used both for sautéing the vegetables and creating a roux to thicken the chowder, butter adds richness and flavor to the dish.

Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, Onion): These aromatic vegetables provide a flavorful base for the chowder, adding sweetness, depth, and a hint of freshness to the dish.

Herbs (Oregano, Thyme): The dried oregano and thyme contribute aromatic and herbaceous notes to the chowder, enhancing its overall flavor profile.

Bay Leaf: Adding a subtle herbal flavor, the bay leaf infuses the chowder with depth and complexity.

Flour: Used to thicken the chowder, the flour creates a velvety texture and helps to bind the ingredients together, resulting in a hearty and satisfying dish.

How to make Ham And Potatoe Corn Chowder

Ingredients:

2 peeled chopped carrots

2 cups diced cooked ham

⅓ cup all-purpose flour

29 ounces chicken broth

1 diced yellow onion

¾ teaspoon dried oregano

½ cup heavy cream

3 cups milk

2 diced celery stalks

1 bay leaf

5½ tablespoons butter

½ teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and black pepper to taste

1¾ pounds diced red potatoes

2 cups corn kernels

Chopped chives or green onions for garnish

6 crumbled cooked bacon slices for garnish

Instructions:

Melt 1½ tablespoons of the butter in a soup pot.

Add the carrot, celery and onion, and cook for 5 minutes.

Add the potatoes, broth, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf.

Add salt and black pepper to taste.

Bring the chowder to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Add the corn and ham, and cook for another 5 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked.

Melt the rest of the butter in a pan and add the flour.

Cook for 1½ minutes, stirring all the time.

Add the milk, bit by bit, whisking to get rid of lumps.

Add a little salt and black pepper.

Bring to a boil, whisking constantly.

When it is thick, take it off the heat and stir in the cream.

Pour the cream mixture into the chowder and stir to combine.

Serve hot, garnished with bacon and chives or green onions.

Notes:

Vegetable Sauté: Sautéing the carrots, celery, and onion in butter before adding the other ingredients helps to enhance their flavors and develop a rich base for the chowder.

Simmering Time: Simmering the chowder for 15 minutes after adding the potatoes allows them to cook until tender and absorb the flavors of the broth and seasonings, resulting in a hearty and flavorful base.

Addition of Corn and Ham: Adding the corn and ham towards the end of cooking ensures that they are heated through but still retain their texture and flavors, adding freshness and heartiness to the chowder.

Roux Preparation: Creating a roux with butter and flour thickens the chowder, giving it a creamy and velvety texture. Cooking the roux for 1 ½ minutes ensures that the flour is cooked and does not have a raw taste.

Gradual Addition of Milk: Adding the milk gradually while whisking helps to prevent lumps from forming and ensures a smooth and creamy consistency in the chowder.

Seasoning: Seasoning the chowder with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and oregano adds layers of flavor and balances the sweetness of the vegetables and corn with savory and aromatic notes.

Incorporation of Heavy Cream: Stirring in the heavy cream at the end adds richness and creaminess to the chowder, elevating its texture and flavor.

Garnishes: Garnishing the chowder with crispy bacon and fresh chives or green onions adds a burst of color, texture, and additional flavor, enhancing the overall presentation and enjoyment of the dish.

Serving: Serving the chowder hot allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that it is enjoyed at its best. Pairing it with crusty bread or crackers can further elevate the dining experience.

Storage: Leftover chowder can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving, adjusting the consistency with a splash of milk or broth if needed.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of potatoes in this chowder?

Yes, you can use different varieties of potatoes based on your preference.

However, red potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape well during cooking.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the chowder.

Keep in mind that the texture and richness may vary slightly.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a vegetarian version of this chowder.

You can also add extra vegetables or tofu for added protein and flavor.

Can I freeze leftovers of this chowder?

Yes, you can freeze leftover chowder in an airtight container for up to three months.

Make sure to cool it completely before freezing and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I omit the flour for a gluten-free version?

Yes, you can omit the flour or use a gluten-free flour alternative to thicken the chowder.

Cornstarch or arrowroot powder can also be used as thickeners.

What can I use instead of bacon for garnish?

You can use cooked and crumbled turkey bacon, crispy pancetta, or even smoked paprika for a vegetarian option.

Alternatively, you can omit the bacon garnish altogether.

How do I adjust the seasoning if I prefer a spicier chowder?

You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chowder for a spicy kick.

Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen carrots, celery, and corn kernels if fresh vegetables are not available.

Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this chowder ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can prepare the chowder ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving.

You may need to adjust the consistency with a little extra broth or milk.

How long will this chowder last in the refrigerator?

This chowder can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.