Ham, Potato and Pepper Chowder
I have been serving this chowder for years now. When I’m feeding family members who don’t eat dairy products, I substitute oil for the butter and use coconut milk or soy creamer instead of heavy cream. It still turns out wonderful! —Eileen Stefanski, Wales, Wisconsin
Ingredients
- 1 poundspotatoes (about 2 large), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cartonchicken broth, divided
- 2 tablespoonsbutter
- 1 largesweet red pepper, coarsely chopped
- 1 largegreen pepper, coarsely chopped
- 1 largeonion, finely chopped
- 1 largecarrot, chopped
- 1 cupscubed fully cooked ham (about 8 ounces)
- 2 tablespoonschopped seeded jalapeno pepper
- ¼ teaspoonwhite pepper
- ¼ teaspooncayenne pepper
- 1 largeegg yolk
- ¼ cupheavy whipping cream
- optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, minced fresh chives, and sour cream
Directions
- 1
Place potatoes and 2 cups broth in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until potatoes are tender, 10-15 minutes. Cool slightly. Transfer to a food processor; cover and process until smooth.
- 2
In same pot, heat butter over medium heat; saute red and green peppers, onion and carrot until carrot is tender, 8-10 minutes. Add ham, jalapeno and seasonings; cook and stir 1 minute.
- 3
Stir in pureed potatoes and remaining 2 cups broth; bring just to a boil. In a small bowl, whisk a small amount of hot soup into egg yolk and cream; return all to the pot, whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Serve with toppings as desired.