Sweet Potato Chowder

Here's another yummy and kid-approved recipe. I don't remember where I got this one; it was cut out of a magazine long ago. Some of you in the COLD parts of the country right now may especially enjoy it!

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 pound lean ham, cubed (about 1 1/3 cups)
• 1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 ribs celery, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
• 2 medium white potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2.5 cups)
• 2 cloves garlic, mashed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fat-free half and half

Heat oil in a 3-quart soup pot. Add ham, onion and celery. Saute until vegetables are tender (about 10 minutes). Add diced potatoes and garlic. Saute briefly. Add seasonings and chicken broth, and stir well. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Partially puree soup with a potato masher. Stir in fat-free half and half. Taste, and correct seasonings if required.

Makes 8 (one-cup) servings
Preparation time: one hour


My comments: Be sure you look for low-sodium chicken or veggie broth. I haven't tried, but I think next time I will try with half broth and half water when I am also using ham. I think there is enough taste without the extra broth. Try it without ham, and maybe add lentils for more protein? Also, not sure why you couldn't use more sweet potatoes and less white potatoes? It may change the texture? Any comments or ideas?

This is one of my favorite recipes especially in cooler weather. My son gobbles it up too. Always good with a salad or a grilled cheese to go with it! If there are leftovers, they are delicious as well.


Action item: Try this recipe while it's cold outside!

For further reading: And look what I ran across while searching for a picture of sweet potatoes - Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadillas.