The Story & Intro
There’s something about Ham & Potato Chowder that always warms my heart. Maybe it’s because it reminds me of chilly evenings back in Crete when my grandmother and I would prepare comfort food together, filling the house with delicious smells and cozy feelings. Even though chowder isn’t a traditional Greek dish, the creamy texture and hearty ingredients always felt familiar to me like the kind of food that hugs you from the inside out.
Whenever I make Ham & Potato Chowder, I think about how food brings women together my grandmother, my mother, my friends sharing stories while stirring a pot of something comforting. This chowder checks all the boxes: savory, chunky, and protein-packed. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you slow down, breathe, and enjoy the moment.
What I love about Ham & Potato Chowder is how simple it is. Honestly, sometimes my kitchen is a mess potatoes everywhere, broth splattering but that’s the fun part! Cooking isn’t supposed to be perfect; it’s supposed to make memories. And trust me, this hearty, savory, protein-packed chowder does exactly that.
If you want a bowl of pure comfort, something that tastes like home even if you’ve never cooked chowder before, this Ham & Potato Chowder is your new go-to. It’s easy, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Let’s make it together!
(Short 100-word story version included as required)
Short Story Version (100 words):
Hi, I’m INAYA from Crete, and this Ham & Potato Chowder always makes me smile. It reminds me of cooking with my grandmother simple ingredients, warm flavors, and plenty of love. Even though chowder isn’t Greek, its creamy comfort feels like home. I adore how savory, chunky, and protein-packed it is, perfect for busy days when you want something cozy without a lot of work. My kitchen gets a little messy, but that’s where the fun happens! This chowder brings people together, one warm bowl at a time, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need for a hearty, flavorful, protein-packed chowder:
- 2 cups diced ham (leftover ham works perfectly)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but delicious)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your savory, chunky, protein-packed Ham & Potato Chowder:
Step 1: Sauté the Base
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the veggies become soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Build the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This is what makes your chowder thick and creamy.
Step 3: Add Broth and Potatoes
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Add the diced potatoes, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add the Ham
Stir in the diced ham. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes so the flavors blend together.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
Pour in the milk or half-and-half. Stir gently to blend everything into a rich, creamy chowder. If you want it cheesier, add the shredded cheddar at this stage and let it melt.
Step 6: Taste & Adjust
Taste your chowder and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more pepper for heat, salt for balance, or paprika for warmth.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Ladle your savory, chunky, protein-packed chowder into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Here’s how to elevate your Ham & Potato Chowder into a comforting meal:
- Serve with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls
- Sprinkle crispy bacon on top for added crunch
- Add a side of simple green salad
- Pair with crackers for extra texture
- Freeze leftovers for another cozy night
🥣 Recipe Card (with Emojis)
⏳ Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 30 minutes
- Total: 40 minutes
🧂 Ingredients
- Ham
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Butter
- Flour
- Chicken broth
- Milk
- Cheddar (optional)
- Garlic
- Thyme
- Paprika
- Salt & Pepper
- Parsley
🍳 Instructions
- Sauté veggies in butter.
- Add flour and stir to form a roux.
- Pour broth and add potatoes + seasonings.
- Add ham and simmer.
- Stir in milk; add cheese if using.
- Garnish and serve warm.
📝 Notes
- Leftover holiday ham works great.
- Use heavy cream for extra richness.
- Add corn for sweetness and texture.
🔢 Nutrition (Approx per serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
Conclusion
This Ham & Potato Chowder is everything you want in a cozy comfort meal savory, chunky, creamy, and protein-packed. It brings people together just like the meals I grew up with in Crete, full of flavor and warmth. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just yourself, this chowder turns simple ingredients into something truly comforting. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen the same way it is in mine. Let’s keep making memories, one bowl at a time.
