Fiesta Ham Soup

Name: Fiesta Ham Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings (2 quarts).
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/4 cup chopped celery; 1-1/2 pounds potatoes (about 3 medium), peeled and cubed; 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham; 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies; 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 can (14-3/4 ounces) cream-style corn; 1 cup 2% milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Sour cream, optional

Chowders are a scrumptious way to warm the spirits during the holidays. Our festive soup is brimming with ham, green chilies, potatoes and corn. —Cathy Hastie, Auburn, California

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
1-1/2 pounds potatoes (about 3 medium), peeled and cubed
2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (14-3/4 ounces) cream-style corn
1 cup 2% milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream, optional

Directions

In a large saucepan, heat butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery; cook and stir 3-4 minutes or until onion is tender. Add potatoes, ham, chilies, parsley and pepper; cook and stir 1 minute.
Stir in broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir in corn, milk and cheese; heat through. If desired, serve with sour cream.

Originally published as Fiesta Chowder in Taste of Home Christmas Annual 2015