Haha, or something like that...! We are getting deep into December now, and this month was made for soup! This ham and potato soup is actually one of two recipes I made last weekend (the second was a broccoli cheese soup that I'll add as Sunday Soup #94 in a separate post). The name promised it would be "Easy and Comforting," but did it deliver? Let's see...
This recipe came from: https://bakingmischief.com/2016/02/08/easy-and-comforting-ham-and-potato-soup/
General Thoughts: The prep on this one was decently easy, as the name suggested. However, anytime you have to peel and dice potatoes, it can be a little mind-numbing. I know, I know, two large potatoes aren't that many, but all things are relative. :-) There was also a fair bit of other chopping to be done, with the ham, celery, and onion all needing to be diced, but it went pretty quickly.
*Pics 2 & 3 - Pictures from when I made it
Potential Improvements? When I make this one again, adding more salt and pepper to the pot is a must, but it may also be helped with a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes. I think I would also enjoy some bacon in it (4 slices?), which could have the added benefit of being able to sauté the celery and onion in the bacon grease before adding the other ingredients. Other than that, I'll warn my diners that it may start a bit bland but can be "perked up" with garnishes like cheese, hot sauce, and green onions.
Polling the Fam: I really liked this one and would make it again. Becky thought it was solid but a little bland, suggesting some red pepper flakes and bacon. Jayson really liked it and thought the ingredient proportions were spot on, but he thought it could have been a little thicker. Lisa also really liked it, despite it being a little bland, and (in contrast to Jayson) said the texture was perfect and not too thick. Hunter echoed Becky's exact comments but added that some diced carrots would have been welcome, too. And, Fox liked it, saying he enjoyed how the potatoes and ham complemented each other and that it definitely needed the hot sauce.
The consistency of this soup seemed to be spot on and akin to a perfect potato chowder. It was neither thick or gloppy nor too brothy. Each bite was velvety and smooth, containing a good mix of chunky ingredients in every spoonful. As a result, this soup was hearty, filling, and a great fit for a cold winter evening.
The soup's basic taste profile was solid, savory and meaty. However, beyond the raw tastes provided by the individual ingredients, the recipe was a bit bland overall. That sounds like a damaging criticism, but like many other good potato soups, this one can be completely saved with the right additions and garnishes. With the judicious addition of some more salt and pepper, grated cheese, and a few dollops of hot sauce, this soup was a terrific meal!
The soup's basic taste profile was solid, savory and meaty. However, beyond the raw tastes provided by the individual ingredients, the recipe was a bit bland overall. That sounds like a damaging criticism, but like many other good potato soups, this one can be completely saved with the right additions and garnishes. With the judicious addition of some more salt and pepper, grated cheese, and a few dollops of hot sauce, this soup was a terrific meal!
Potential Improvements? When I make this one again, adding more salt and pepper to the pot is a must, but it may also be helped with a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes. I think I would also enjoy some bacon in it (4 slices?), which could have the added benefit of being able to sauté the celery and onion in the bacon grease before adding the other ingredients. Other than that, I'll warn my diners that it may start a bit bland but can be "perked up" with garnishes like cheese, hot sauce, and green onions.
Verdict: Liked it. (4 stars)
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