Chef John's Ham & Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic and cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add chicken broth, bay leaves, and thyme and bring to a boil.
4. Add potatoes and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Stir in the ham and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Serve hot.

Interesting Facts

• Ham & Potato soup is a popular dish in the United States.
• It is a great way to use up leftover ham.
• The carrots, celery, and potatoes in the soup provide a good source of vitamins and minerals.
• The bay leaves and thyme give the soup a unique flavor.