Smoked Ham, Potato & Corn Chowder

**Smoked Ham, Potato & Corn Chowder: A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Food**

When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup, **Smoked Ham, Potato & Corn Chowder** is the perfect choice. This rich and hearty chowder combines the savory depth of smoked ham, the creamy texture of potatoes, and the natural sweetness of corn, creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a dish to serve at your next family gathering, this chowder is sure to please.

### Why You’ll Love Smoked Ham, Potato & Corn Chowder

– **Hearty & Filling**: Packed with tender potatoes, smoky ham, and sweet corn, this chowder is a complete meal in a bowl. It’s both comforting and satisfying, making it perfect for a cold evening or a family dinner.
– **Smoky Flavor**: The addition of smoked ham adds a unique depth of flavor that takes this chowder to the next level. It infuses the broth with a delicious smoky richness that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.
– **Creamy & Rich**: The creamy texture of the chowder is achieved by combining milk, heavy cream, and a touch of flour to thicken the broth, giving each spoonful a luxurious mouthfeel.
– **Easy to Make**: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this chowder is easy to make, even for those new to cooking. It’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze!
– **Customizable**: You can adjust the flavor by adding extra herbs, vegetables, or even a bit of heat with some chili flakes or hot sauce. This recipe is versatile and can be tailored to your taste.

### Ingredients for Smoked Ham, Potato & Corn Chowder

To make this delicious chowder, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– **2 cups smoked ham**, diced (leftover ham works perfectly)
– **4 large potatoes**, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best)
– **2 cups frozen corn kernels** (or fresh corn if available)
– **1 small onion**, finely chopped
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **3 cups chicken broth** (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
– **2 cups whole milk**
– **1 cup heavy cream**
– **2 tablespoons unsalted butter**
– **1/4 cup all-purpose flour** (for thickening)
– **1 teaspoon dried thyme** (or fresh thyme if preferred)
– **Salt and pepper** to taste
– **Chopped green onions** or **parsley** for garnish (optional)

### How to Make Smoked Ham, Potato & Corn Chowder

#### 1. **Prepare the Ingredients**

– **Chop the potatoes**: Peel and cube the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer a chunkier chowder, you can leave the pieces larger, but smaller cubes will cook faster and create a smoother texture.
– **Dice the ham**: If you’re using leftover smoked ham, cut it into small, bite-sized cubes.
– **Chop the onions and garlic**: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic to add to the flavor base of the chowder.

#### 2. **Sauté the Aromatics**

– **Cook the onions and garlic**: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

#### 3. **Make the Base for the Chowder**

– **Add the flour**: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir well to create a roux (a thickening base), cooking for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
– **Add the liquids**: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Then add the milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until everything is well incorporated.

#### 4. **Cook the Potatoes**

– **Add the potatoes**: Once the base is smooth and creamy, add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine.
– **Simmer the chowder**: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

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