I found this soup on a popular recipe sharing site - it had earned the highest rating of 5 stars after more than 6,000 reviews so naturally, I had to try it.  I prepared the first batch as the recipe was written and it was quite tasty, but I knew I could get even more flavor by tweaking here and there - so that's the version I'll share with you today.  The family loved it (even my picky eater), and my neighbor asked for the recipe after she enjoyed 2 bowls.  This one's a winner folks.      

5-Star Ham and Potato Soup

Printable Recipe

serves 6-8

Ingredients

• 4 cups peeled and diced thin-skinned red or white potatoes (not baking potatoes such as Idaho or Russet)

• 4 cups very flavorful homemade chicken stock

• 1 tablespoon dried parsley

• 1 bay leaf

• 6 tablespoons butter, divided

• 1/3 cup minced celery

• 1/3 cup finely minced onion

• 3-4 cups diced cooked ham

• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 2 cups whole milk

• Optional Garnish: fresh parsley, chives, scallions, cheese, bacon, crackers, croutons, etc

Directions

1. Place the diced potatoes, dried parsley, bay leaf, and chicken stock in a medium saucepan.

2. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium and cook until potatoes are tender, 15-20 minutes.

3. Remove saucepan from heat; do not drain.

4. In a large skillet, saute the ham, onions, and celery in 1 tablespoon of butter until the vegetables are soft and translucent.

5. Add the sautéed ingredients to the potato and chicken stock mixture.

6. In the same large skillet, melt the remaining 5 tablespoons butter; add the four, salt, and pepper and whisk for 1-2 minutes to cook the raw flavor out of the flour.

7. Slowly add the milk and whisk to combine; continue whisking until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble; pour mixture into the saucepan that contains the ham and potatoes; stir to combine. Garnish and serve.

adapted from allrecipes.com