Smokey Potato, Onion, & Ham Cheese Soup
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Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup celery, chopped
  • ½ cup carrots, chopped
  • 4 cups onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 2½ lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 cups non-fat half & half
  • 2 quarts (64 ounces) light chicken broth
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 ounces cooked cubed ham
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon dry mustard
  • Paprika for topping
  • 2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
Instructions
  1. In a large stock pot heat the butter and olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onions, celery, carrots, potatoes and garlic. Add 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 12 minutes.
  2. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir and cook for 12 more minutes.
  3. Using an emergence blender, puree the soup to a creamy consistency. (Working in batches, You can transfer the soup to a blender or food processor to accomplish this step.)
  4. Add the dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, the pepper, liquid smoke, the ham, hot sauce, and half & half. Bring the soup to a low simmer. Cook for 4 minutes.
  5. Add the cheese and simmer until the cheese is well incorporated.
  6. Transfer to serving bowls, add a few soup crackers, and sprinkle a dash of paprika on top and a pinch of fresh parsley.
Recipe by simple-food-solutions.com at http://simple-food-solutions.com/?p=1809