Ingredients and Weight:
- Ham: 500 grams (lean cut, cooked)
- Potatoes: 3 large (peeled and cut into cubes)
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Butter: 50 grams
- All-Purpose Flour: 4 tablespoons
- Chicken Stock: 2 cups
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Fresh Thyme: 1 sprig (optional)
- Diced Onion: 1 medium
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 3 hours (slow-cooked)
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a large pot, melt the butter on low heat.
- Add the diced onions and cook until softened.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir until well combined. This will create a roux (a thickener for the Chowder).
- Slowly pour the chicken stock into the pot, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps.
- Add the cubed potatoes and continue cooking until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the ham pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the heavy cream and fresh thyme (if using) and let the Chowder simmer for another hour.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot with fresh crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving (depending on ingredients used)
Fat: 28g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 22g
Dish Characteristics:
- Creamy and rich in flavor, with a balance of meat and potato.
- Slow-cooked to ensure maximum flavor is extracted from the ham and potatoes.
- A comforting dish that is perfect for colder weather or as a weekend treat.
User Comments:
- "Delicious! The combination of ham and potatoes is perfect for a comforting dish."
- "The flavor was rich and creamy, exactly what I expected from a five-star hotel chef."
- "I love how slow-cooked this dish is, it gives it so much flavor."
- "The dish was served with mashed potatoes, which added another layer of comfort."
- "I made this for my family on a cold winter night, they loved it!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use cooked ham to ensure it is tender and will not overcook during the slow-cooking process.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, as preferences may vary.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of heavy cream. However, this will increase the fat content of the dish.