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### Instructions:
#### Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the **butter** over medium heat. Add the **onion** and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the **garlic** and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step helps build the foundation of flavor for your chowder.
#### Step 2: Add the Ham and Potatoes
Next, add the cubed **smoked ham** to the pot. Stir it around with the onions and garlic to allow the ham to release its smoky flavor into the mixture. After a couple of minutes, add the diced **potatoes** and give everything a good stir.
#### Step 3: Make the Base of the Soup
Sprinkle the **flour** over the ham, onions, garlic, and potatoes. Stir well to coat everything evenly. The flour will help thicken the chowder later. Cook for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw taste of the flour.
#### Step 4: Add the Broth and Milk
Pour in the **chicken broth** and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Once the broth is simmering, add the **milk** (or heavy cream) and continue to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
#### Step 5: Stir in the Corn and Season
Add the **corn** and stir to combine. At this point, you’ll want to season the chowder with **salt**, **pepper**, and **dried thyme**. For an extra smoky kick, add the **smoked paprika** (optional but highly recommended). Continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
#### Step 6: Final Touches
Once the soup has thickened slightly and the potatoes are tender, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like a creamier chowder, you can stir in **shredded cheese** (such as cheddar or mozzarella) for a richer texture. Stir until the cheese melts into the soup.
#### Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the **Smoked Ham Potato Corn Chowder** into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped **parsley**. The garnish adds a pop of color and a bit of freshness that balances the richness of the soup.
### Why You’ll Love Smoked Ham Potato Corn Chowder:
– **Comfort in a bowl**: This chowder is the epitome of comfort food, with a rich and creamy texture that satisfies with every spoonful. The combination of smoked ham, potatoes, and corn is a classic flavor profile that everyone loves.
– **Smoky flavor**: The smoked ham adds a depth of flavor that really sets this chowder apart from other potato or corn chowders. It’s the secret ingredient that elevates this dish into something truly special.
– **Hearty and filling**: Packed with protein from the ham, starchy potatoes, and fiber-rich corn, this chowder is a complete meal that will leave you feeling full and content.
– **Customizable**: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste. Swap out the smoked ham for bacon, use a different type of cheese, or make it even heartier by adding extra vegetables like carrots or celery.
– **Perfect for leftovers**: This chowder keeps well in the fridge and even tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It’s a great option for meal prep, and you can easily reheat it for a quick and delicious meal.
### Tips for the Best Smoked Ham Potato Corn Chowder:
– **Use leftover ham**: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover holiday ham or any ham from a previous meal. The smokier the ham, the better the chowder will taste.
– **Cook the potatoes until tender**: The potatoes are the heart of this chowder, so be sure to cook them until they’re fork-tender. If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes as they cook to create a creamier consistency.
– **Balance the creaminess**: If you’re watching your calorie intake, feel free to use low-fat milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The chowder will still be creamy and delicious, just with a lighter touch.
– **Add a little heat**: If you enjoy a bit of spice, try adding a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chowder to give it a subtle kick.
– **Freeze leftovers**: This chowder freezes wonderfully, so if you have extra, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat it on the stovetop.
### Final Thoughts
**Smoked Ham Potato Corn Chowder** is the perfect soup for colder weather, family dinners, or any occasion where you want a warm, comforting meal. The smoky richness of the ham, combined with the sweet corn and tender potatoes, creates a dish that’s satisfying and full of flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes.
Whether you’re making it on a busy weeknight or preparing it for a weekend gathering, this chowder is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a light salad, and you’ve got the perfect meal that everyone will love.
So next time you’re craving something hearty and comforting, look no further than this **Smoked Ham Potato Corn Chowder**. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for those chilly days when you need something quick, delicious, and soul-satisfying. Enjoy!
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