Smoked ham potato soup

Potato soup with smoked ham: A comforting delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Potato soup with smoked ham is a traditional recipe, full of flavors and comfort, perfect for cool days or for moments when we want to indulge in a simple yet delicious dish. Inspired by our cuisine, this soup combines accessible ingredients with simple cooking techniques, offering a savory and comforting result.

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g potatoes (choose red or yellow potatoes that hold up well when boiled)
- 200 g smoked ham (preferably of high quality, for an intense flavor)
- 1 large onion (the onion adds a sweet and aromatic taste)
- 3 cloves of garlic (for an extra burst of flavor)
- 1 tomato (fresh and juicy, for a touch of acidity)
- 200 ml sour cream (choose thick sour cream for a creamy texture)
- 2 tablespoons of roasted pepper paste (for a slightly spicy and sweet taste)
- Fresh lovage (about one bunch, added at the end for flavor)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish and flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and washing all the ingredients. The onion will be left whole to give a subtle taste to the soup, while the garlic will be finely chopped. The tomato will be sliced thinly, and the smoked ham will be diced.

2. Boiling the ham: In a medium pot, add the diced smoked ham and cover with water. Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil for about 5-7 minutes, so that the flavors are released and add a rich taste to the soup.

3. Adding the potatoes: Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes of about 2 cm. Add them to the pot over the smoked ham, along with the whole onion, roasted pepper paste, salt, and pepper. Cover with water (about 1.5 liters) and let it boil over medium heat until the potatoes become tender (about 20 minutes).

4. Adding the tomato and garlic: After the potatoes have boiled, add the tomato slices and chopped garlic. Let it boil for another 5-10 minutes, until the tomatoes become soft.

5. Finishing the soup: Once all the ingredients are cooked, add the chopped lovage and stir. Let it come to a final boil. Turn off the heat and add the sour cream, mixing well to achieve a creamy consistency.

6. Serving: The potato soup with smoked ham is served hot, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley on top. It is delicious alongside a slice of fresh bread or warm polenta.

Useful tips:

- If you want a lighter version, you can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Add freshly chopped chili pepper for an extra kick.
- Experiment with different types of smoked meats, such as sausages or bacon, to vary the flavor of the soup.

Nutrition and benefits:

This soup is rich in carbohydrates from the potatoes, protein from the ham, and healthy fats from the sour cream. Lovage and parsley add antioxidants and essential vitamins. On average, a serving contains about 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use new potatoes? Yes, new potatoes will add a finer texture to the soup.
2. How can I turn this recipe into a vegetarian version? Replace the ham with smoked tofu or mushrooms for a rich, umami flavor.
3. What drinks pair well with this soup? A pale lager or a dry white wine are excellent choices.

Potato soup with smoked ham is not just a seasonal dish; it is a recipe full of memories and comfort that brings the family together at the table. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its enticing aromas! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500 g potatoes, 200 g smoked ham, 1 onion, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 tomato, 200 ml sour cream, 2 tablespoons of roasted pepper paste, green thyme, green parsley