Stewed potatoes ham comforting has been my go-to dish for chilly evenings and busy weeknights for years. I remember my mom making this on Sundays, the aroma of savory ham and tender potatoes filling our small kitchen. It’s that kind of simple, honest cooking that just makes you feel good from the inside out. This recipe uses basic pantry staples to create a truly hearty potato ham stew that’s incredibly satisfying. Get ready to experience pure comfort food! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Stewed Potatoes Ham Comforting
This hearty potato ham stew is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. You’ll adore how simple it is to whip up this incredibly satisfying dish. Here’s why it’ll become your new favorite:
- It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for even beginner cooks.
- The one pot potato ham stew method means less cleanup.
- It’s packed with tender potatoes and savory ham for a truly filling experience.
- The aroma alone will make your house feel like home.
- It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked ham.
- This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for many diets.
- It’s the ultimate comfort food potato ham stew for any occasion.
Ingredients for Comforting Stewed Potatoes Ham
Gather these simple ingredients for a truly heartwarming meal. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, using common pantry staples to create a delicious hearty potato ham stew that’s perfect for any night of the week.
- 4.5 cups potatoes, peeled and quartered – Yukon Golds or Russets work wonderfully here, providing a creamy texture when cooked.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped – this adds a foundational sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced – use leftover ham or a pre-cooked ham steak for that essential savory, smoky note.
- 3 cups chicken broth – this forms the base of our rich, comforting broth. Low-sodium is a great choice if you’re watching your salt intake.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for a subtle, savory kick that complements the ham.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika – adds a hint of color and mild sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste – adjust these to your preference after simmering.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – this helps sauté the onions and adds a touch of richness to the broth.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish – a bright, fresh finish to the savory stew.
How to Make Easy Potato and Ham Stew
Creating this comforting dish is a breeze, and the one pot potato ham stew method means minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Follow these simple steps for a truly satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step Guide to One Pot Potato Ham Stew
- Step 1: Melt the 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and cook until it’s soft and smells wonderfully sweet, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Stir in the 1 cup cooked ham, diced. Let it cook with the onions for another 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll start to smell that savory ham mingling with the sweet onions – it’s amazing!
- Step 3: Add the 4.5 cups potatoes, peeled and quartered to the pot. Sprinkle everything generously with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and then season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir everything together so the potatoes and ham are coated in the spices.
- Step 4: Pour in the 3 cups chicken broth. Make sure the potatoes are mostly submerged; if not, add a little water to cover them. Turn the heat up to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Step 5: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for the potatoes to become perfectly fork-tender, meaning a fork slides in easily without resistance. The broth will also start to thicken slightly.
- Step 6: Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. For a creamier, thicker broth, you can gently mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot with your spoon.
- Step 7: Ladle the hot, comforting stew into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, chopped, for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy this truly hearty potato ham stew!
Pro Tips for the Best Hearty Potato Ham Stew
To elevate your stewed potatoes ham comforting experience, try these simple tricks. They ensure a delicious, perfectly textured dish every time, making this traditional potato ham stew a guaranteed hit.
- For extra flavor, use a ham bone or a piece of ham hock to simmer in the broth before adding the diced ham.
- Don’t skip sautéing the onions; they build a sweet flavor base that’s crucial for the stew’s depth.
- If you prefer a thicker stew without mashing potatoes, you can whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the simmering broth.
What’s the secret to perfect Stewed Potatoes Ham?
The real secret to perfect stewed potatoes ham lies in the quality of your ham and not overcooking the potatoes. Using a flavorful ham, perhaps with a bit of bone, adds incredible depth to the broth. Cook the potatoes just until fork-tender to prevent them from becoming mushy. For more tips on cooking techniques, you can explore resources on how to cook potatoes.
Can I make this comforting ham and potato dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This comforting ham and potato dish is even better the next day. Prepare it completely, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. If you’re looking for other make-ahead meal ideas, check out these dinner recipes.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Stewed Potatoes Ham Comforting?
A common pitfall is using watery ham, which dilutes the flavor. Always use flavorful cooked ham. Another mistake is overcooking the potatoes; they should be tender, not falling apart. Lastly, ensure your broth has enough seasoning before serving.
Best Ways to Serve Traditional Potato Ham Stew
This wonderfully comforting dish is so versatile! It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. For a truly classic meal, serve this traditional potato ham stew with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that savory broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew. You could also serve it alongside some steamed green beans or a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy touch. This hearty potato ham stew is perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.
Nutrition Facts for Stewed Potatoes Ham
This comforting dish offers a satisfying meal with balanced nutrition. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving of this delicious hearty potato ham stew:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your easy potato ham recipe. For more information on general nutrition, you can refer to resources like the National Nutrition Portal.
How to Store and Reheat Savory Ham and Potato Stew
This delicious savory ham and potato stew is perfect for meal prep, making it even easier to enjoy on busy days. Once the stew has cooled slightly, transfer it into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this hearty potato ham stew freezes beautifully. Pack it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring all air is removed. It can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply place the refrigerated stew in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight first. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covering with a microwave-safe lid and heating in 1-2 minute intervals until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Potato Ham Recipe
What is the best type of potato for this stew?
For this easy potato ham recipe, I love using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. They have a lovely creamy texture when cooked, which really enhances the comforting feel of the dish. Just make sure to peel and quarter them so they cook evenly in the broth.
Can I use fresh ham instead of cooked ham?
You certainly can! If you’re using fresh ham, you’ll want to cook it thoroughly in the pot with the onions before adding the broth and potatoes. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the fresh ham is fully cooked through. This will add a wonderful depth of flavor to your hearty potato ham stew.
How do I make the stew creamier?
To achieve a creamier texture in your comforting stewed potatoes ham, you can gently mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot with your spoon. This releases some of their starch into the broth, naturally thickening it and making it richer. You could also stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or a swirl of sour cream right before serving for an extra decadent touch. For other creamy dessert ideas, consider a cinnamon roll cheesecake.
Can I add other vegetables to this stew?
Absolutely! This easy potato ham recipe is very forgiving and welcomes other veggies. Carrots, celery, peas, or even some chopped leeks would be fantastic additions. Just add them along with the potatoes, adjusting the cooking time slightly if needed, to ensure they become tender.
Variations of Stewed Potatoes Ham Comforting You Can Try
This classic dish is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to shake up your hearty potato ham stew:
- Creamy Version: For an extra decadent and rich experience, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream into the broth during the last few minutes of simmering. This creates a luxuriously creamy stewed potatoes ham that feels extra special.
- Slow Cooker Method: Adapt this into an easy potato and ham stew in your slow cooker. Sauté the onions and ham first on the stovetop, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It’s perfect for hands-off cooking.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the paprika. This will give your savory ham and potato stew a subtle warmth that complements the savory ham and tender potatoes beautifully.
- Vegetarian Option: While it won’t be a ham stew, you can create a similar comforting potato dish by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor, creating a delicious vegetarian comfort food.
Stewed Potatoes Ham: 4.5 Cups Comforting
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Stewed Potatoes with Ham recipe is a comforting dish that combines tender potatoes with savory ham in a rich broth. It’s easy to make in one pot.
Ingredients
- 4.5 cups potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate diced ham into the pot and cook alongside onions for 2 to 3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add quartered potatoes to the pot. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly, stirring to coat all ingredients.
- Pour in chicken broth, ensuring potatoes are submerged. If necessary, add water to cover. Raise heat to high and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. For a thicker broth, gently mash a few potatoes in the pot.
- Serve hot garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or celery for additional flavor.
- This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lighter option, use low-sodium chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg