Cheesy Creamy Ham & Potato Soup

[charisstoma]

http://tasteerecipe.com/2016/12/27/whats-soup-just-cheesy-creamy-ham-potato-soup/2/

Cheesy Creamy Ham & Potato Soup

Ingredients

4 cups water
1 large Thorn Apple Valley ham bone

2 medium potatoes, halved

2 1⁄4 cups potatoes, diced
2 1⁄4 cups ham, cubed
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
salt and pepper

5 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons flour
2 1⁄2 cups milk

1 3⁄4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

salt and pepper



Instructions

Boil ham bone in 4 cups of water in large COVERED stock pot for approx 1 hour. (If omitting this step use 4 chicken bouillon or 4 cups chicken broth instead).
Remove ham bone and strain stock to remove any debris.

Boil the 2 med potatoes halved in stock until softened, remove to separate bowl.

Combine 2 1/4 cups diced potatoes, 1 med onion, DICED HAM, and 3 minced garlic cloves and add to stock. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook until potatoes are tender.

Mash 2 halved potatoes with small amount of milk and add to stock (helps to thicken).

In separate pan, melt butter. Add in flour a tablespoon at a time to make a roux or paste. Add milk and blend well to make a cream sauce.

Simmer cream sauce for 2 minutes. Add cheese and blend well. Mixture will be very gooey.

Add cheese blend to soup and gently mix to combine.