Ham and Corn Chowder with Potatoes Recipe
A comforting and hearty Ham and Corn Chowder with Potato, featuring tender ham, sweet corn, and diced potatoes simmered in a creamy, thyme-infused broth. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a warming meal any day of the week.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups ham, roughly chopped
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 small onion, diced (yellow, brown or white)
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced into 8mm (1/3″) cubes
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn (or drained canned corn)
- 5 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk (low fat or full fat)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups water
- 1 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme), plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper, approximately 5 grinds
- Melt Butter and Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent, ensuring the onion doesn’t brown to keep a sweet flavor base.
- Create Roux and Add Milk: Stir in the flour and whisk until fully incorporated into the butter. Gradually pour in 1 cup of milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, about 1 1/2 minutes. Then add the remaining cup of milk and continue whisking until it thickens further, around 1 to 1 1/2 minutes.
- Add Stock and Water: Pour in the chicken stock and 1 1/2 cups of water, whisking to combine everything smoothly for the chowder base.
- Cook Potatoes: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the diced potatoes to the soup. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, whisking regularly to prevent sticking and to encourage thickening. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of water if the mixture becomes too thick before the potatoes are tender but still hold shape.
- Add Corn: Just as the potatoes near tenderness, stir in the corn to heat through without overcooking.
- Brown the Ham: While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a small frying pan over high heat. Add the chopped ham and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it is nicely browned, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Combine Ham and Thyme: When the potatoes are cooked to tender but firm, remove the soup from heat and stir in most of the fresh thyme leaves and browned ham, reserving some for garnish.
- Adjust Consistency and Season: If the chowder is too thick, adjust by adding more water or milk to your preferred consistency. Stir in the salt and about 5 grinds of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with the remaining thyme leaves and reserved ham for a flavorful presentation.
Notes
- Note 1: Use cooked ham from leftovers or store-bought ham for best flavor and ease.
- Note 2: Dice potatoes into uniform cubes for even cooking and texture.
- Note 3: Stir often while potatoes cook to prevent the soup from sticking and promote even thickening.
- Note 4: Browning the ham adds depth of flavor and texture to the chowder.
Keywords: ham chowder, corn chowder, potato chowder, creamy soup, stovetop chowder, easy soup recipe, comfort food