Cream of No Cream Ham and Potato Soup

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) of ham, cubed
• 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms) of potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 liter of chicken stock
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) of milk or dairy-free cream alternative
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter
• 1/2 cup (118 grams) of white sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, optional

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 1 hour
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cube the ham and dice the potatoes. Set them aside.
3. In a large pot, heat the chicken stock. When it starts to boil, add the ham cubes and let them simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Add the diced potatoes and continue to cook for another 20 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and blend the soup with a handheld blender until it reaches a creamy consistency. Return to the pot.
6. Stir in the milk or dairy-free cream alternative, butter, and sugar. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.
7. Return the pot to low heat and let it gently warm through, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil after adding the milk.
8. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired.

Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: Approx. 400-500 calories per serving (depending on added ingredients)
• Fat: 20-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
• Protein: 20-30 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and rich in flavor, yet without using cream, making it a lighter option.
• Hearty and comforting, perfect for colder weather or as a meal starter.
• Can be customized with different herbs and spices to suit different tastes.

User Comments:

1. "This soup is amazing! The flavor is so rich and creamy without using any cream, great job!"
2. "I love how easy this recipe is to make, yet it tastes like a five-star dish."
3. "I added some fresh thyme to mine, gave it a great flavor boost!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to peel and dice the potatoes evenly for even cooking.
• Do not let the soup boil after adding the milk or dairy-free cream alternative to prevent curdling.
• Adjust seasonings according to taste, adding more salt and pepper if needed.