Creamy Potato, Gnocchi and Ham Soup

Today I was looking at the pouring down, cold rain and wondering what to make for supper.  Then I stood in front of my open refrigerator staring at the leftover ham from Easter and wondered what else can I do with it? Potato, Gnocchi and Ham Soup…

Then a friend suggested ham and potato soup. It sounded wonderful and then for some reason that I can’t explain, I started craving gnocchi.  I searched and searched everywhere for soup recipes that contained ham, gnocchi, and potatoes.  I couldn’t find one that had all three, so not to be defeated I came up with this recipe, Creamy Potato, Gnocchi and Ham Soup.  It is totally my own!  It is warm and yummy and delicate.  But so easy to make.  My recipe made enough for 5 people with seconds and a little leftover for lunch tomorrow. It took about one-hour total time from start to finish.  Try it and tell me what you think!

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Creamy Potato, Gnocchi and Ham Soup

Smooth and creamy soup that is a nice change from regular potato soup.

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Servings 8

Author Tera Bare

Ingredients

• 8 medium potatoes cubed
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. garlic
• 1/4 tsp. thyme
• salt
• 1 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 pint of half and half
• 2 cups of chopped ham
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 stick butter
• 4 tbsp. flour
• 1 16 oz. package of gnocchi

Instructions

1. Boil potatoes in a large pot of water with bouillon cubes and a little salt.  Cook till just done and set aside.  In an another pot melt butter on a med. low temp and then sprinkle in flour. Let flour cook in the butter for a few minutes to get rid of the flour taste.  Then with a whisk mix the butter and flour together into a paste and add onion powder and garlic powder and mix well.  Turn the temperature up to high to get a boil and add stock one cup at a time and whisk well with each one.

2. When the stock is boiling and well mixed add to the potatoes and add the ham.  While the stock is boiling add gnocchi.  Stir often and gently.  Cook till gnocchi is tender, about 3 minutes.  Turn down to medium and add half and half, thyme and pepper.  Add cheese and stir until completely melted and mixed into the soup.  Adjust salt and seasonings if needed.

Recipe Notes

Suggestions:  Serve topped with shredded cheese, add diced cooked bacon, try Italian sausage instead of ham.  For a little heat add a dash or two of cayenne powder.