Winter Ham Soup with Blue Cheese

Winter Ham Soup with Blue Cheese Recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Winter Ham Soup with Blue Cheese is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for cold winter days. This soup is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to warm you up from the inside out. The combination of ham, peas, and blue cheese creates a delicious and unique flavor profile that will have you coming back for more.

History

This recipe for Winter Ham Soup with Blue Cheese has been passed down through generations in my family. It originated from a desire to create a comforting and delicious soup that would be perfect for the winter months. The addition of blue cheese adds a rich and creamy element to the soup that takes it to the next level.

Ingredients

0.25 cup butter
0.5 cup chopped white onion
2 cup diced peeled potatoes
0.25 cup water
0.25 cup flour
3 cup milk
10 oz (283 g) package of frozen peas
1.5 cup chopped ham
0.25 tsp dried marjoram
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp white pepper
2 oz (57 g) crumbled blue cheese

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Then, add the onions, potatoes, and water. Cover and cook over low heat for 20 minutes. Stir in the flour and slowly add the milk. Cook until thickened.
Stir in the peas, ham, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Cook until the peas are tender.
Garnish with blue cheese.

Variations

Substitute the ham with cooked chicken or turkey for a different flavor.
Add in some chopped carrots or celery for added texture and flavor.
Use a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, in place of the blue cheese.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onions and potatoes slowly over low heat to develop their flavors and create a rich base for the soup.

- When adding the flour and milk, be sure to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

- Garnish the soup with a generous amount of blue cheese to add a bold and tangy flavor to each bite.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Winter Ham Soup with Blue Cheese with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the onions and potatoes slowly to develop their flavors.

- Whisk constantly when adding the flour and milk to prevent lumps from forming.

- Cook the soup over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth in place of water for a richer flavor.

- Substitute the blue cheese with feta or goat cheese for a different taste.

- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

Winter Ham Soup with Blue Cheese can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Winter Ham Soup with Blue Cheese with a glass of white wine or a crisp apple cider for a delicious pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Winter Ham Soup with Blue Cheese contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Winter Ham Soup with Blue Cheese contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Winter Ham Soup with Blue Cheese contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Winter Ham Soup with Blue Cheese contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Winter Ham Soup with Blue Cheese is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (blue cheese) and gluten (flour).

Summary

Winter Ham Soup with Blue Cheese is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Winter Ham Soup with Blue Cheese is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for cold winter days. This soup is easy to make and is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy a bowl of this hearty soup for a satisfying and warming meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory. It was a chilly winter afternoon, and I was rummaging through a dusty old cookbook that belonged to my own grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, my eyes fell upon a recipe for Winter Ham Soup with Blue Cheese. The combination of flavors intrigued me, and I knew I had to give it a try.

Growing up, my grandmother was the one who inspired my love for cooking. She would spend hours in the kitchen, creating delicious meals from scratch. I would watch in awe as she effortlessly whipped up dishes that were always a hit with our family. Her passion for cooking was contagious, and I couldn't wait to follow in her footsteps.

I remember asking her about the recipe for Winter Ham Soup with Blue Cheese, but she simply smiled and said it was a secret passed down through generations. Undeterred, I set out on a mission to recreate the dish on my own.

I started by gathering all the ingredients I would need: a hearty bone-in ham hock, onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, blue cheese, and a few other staples. As I chopped and diced, the familiar scents of garlic and herbs filled the kitchen, transporting me back to my grandmother's cozy farmhouse.

Once everything was prepped, I set a large pot on the stove and added the ham hock, along with some water and a splash of white wine. I let it simmer for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and fall off the bone.

Next, I added the vegetables and let them cook until they were soft and fragrant. The aroma of the soup wafted through the house, making my mouth water in anticipation. Finally, I crumbled in the blue cheese, letting it melt and infuse the broth with its rich, tangy flavor.

As I ladled the steaming soup into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. I had successfully recreated a recipe that had been a mystery to me for so long. And as I took my first spoonful, I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Winter Ham Soup with Blue Cheese countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. It has become a family favorite, with loved ones always requesting it whenever the weather turns cold. And as I serve it to them with a smile, I can't help but think of my grandmother and the legacy of love and tradition she passed down to me through her recipes.

In the end, it wasn't just about the ingredients or the techniques. It was about the memories and the stories that make each dish truly special. And as I continue to cook and share my recipes with others, I know that I am honoring my grandmother's legacy in the best way possible – through the joy of good food and good company.