Broccoli Ham and Cheese Soup

Broccoli, ham and cheese pair so well in this creamy soup. Plus with all of the broccoli in the soup I do not feel so bad for adding so much cheese.

Broccoli Ham and Cheese Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 8 ounces cooked ham, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 russet potato, peeled and cubed
• 16 ounces broccoli florets, chopped
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
• black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a large stockpot, over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add in the cubed ham and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the ham and set aside.
2. In the same stockpot, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter. Add in the garlic and onion. Cook stirring occasionally, until the onions have softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Whisk in the flour and thyme and continue to whisk until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, removing and browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Stir in the cubed potato. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally, about 10-15 minutes.
6. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until the desired consistency is reached.
7. Stir in the ham, broccoli and heavy cream. Cover and simmer until the broccoli is tender, about 5-6 minutes.
8. Remove the pot from the heat and add the cheese in a handful at a time, stirring until the cheese is melted and smooth. Season with black pepper.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 439
Total Fat		34.1g
Saturated Fat		19.7g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0g
Monounsaturated Fat		2g
Trans Fat		0g
Cholesterol		124.4mg
Sodium		703.7mg
Potassium		177.3mg
Total Carbohydrates		17.1g
Dietary Fiber		1.5g
Sugars		3.6g
Protein		17.8g
Vitamin A 16.1% Vitamin C 27.5%
Calcium 1.9% Iron 5.9%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Damn Delicious.