Ham Chowder

Ingredients and Weight:

• 500 grams of potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 400 grams of ham, cubed (use a good quality cooked ham)
• 300 milliliters of milk
• 200 milliliters of chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnishing (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 40 minutes
• Total: 1 hour

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a separate pan, melt the butter and add the chopped onions. Sauté until the onions are soft.
3. Add the flour and mix well to create a roux (a thickener for the soup).
4. Pour the milk and chicken broth into the roux mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for a few minutes.
5. Add the ham cubes and the cooked potatoes to the soup and let it cook for another 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approx. 400 per serving (based on standard US nutrition facts)
• Fat: 22 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Protein: 25 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• A comforting and creamy soup with a rich flavor from the ham and potatoes.
• Great as a main course or a side dish.
• Can be served with crusty bread or as a starter for a formal meal.

User Comments:

1. "The flavor combination of ham and potatoes in this chowder is excellent!"
2. "This is a great dish for colder weather. It's hearty and filling."
3. "I added some diced celery and carrots for extra flavor and texture."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a good quality cooked ham for best results.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
• If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can skip the ham or use vegetarian "ham" alternatives.
• The soup will thicken as it cools, so adjust the thickness by adding more milk or broth if desired.