Hearty and full of ham, vegetables and cheese.
I make this substantial soup often. It's a great way to use up leftover ham and who can resist cauliflower and potatoes in a cheesy base? It is often requested for school lunches by my son and warms up well.
I love that again, it uses ingredients I typically have on hand, and is fairly quick to prepare. I tend to freeze leftover ham for just this kind of recipe.
Cheddar Cauliflower Ham Chowder
Hearty, cheesy goodness with ham, cauliflower and potatoes.
1 tbsp butter
1 cup chopped carrot
¼ cup chopped onion
2 cups peeled, diced potatoes
2 cups chopped cauliflower
3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
¼ cup butter, cubed
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 – 2 cups cubed, cooked ham
1 cup frozen peas
In a large saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter and add chopped onion and carrot. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the onion is transparent. Add the diced potatoes, chopped cauliflower and chicken stock. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Meanwhile, melt the ¼ cup butter in another small saucepan. Once it’s melted, stir in the flour until smooth. Gradually add the milk and bring to a boil. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Stir into the broth and potato mixture (do not drain). Add the ham and peas and heat them through.
Serving Suggestions
Yet another soup that is delicious with Quick Cheese Biscuits, but it's also good with cheese and crackers.
Verdict
This soup had enough liquid that it pureed well which is really necessary these days. These biscuits are one of the few that my dad can actually eat. Dad texted to say, "Very good soup. And the cheese biscuits are totally superior to ... (insert restaurant name - some he tried today) - no comparison." High praise indeed!
Chowder with nutritional substance. Serve with cheese biscuits and you have a complete meal.