Cozy Ham & Potato Chowder

A warm, comforting winter lunch that comes together beautifully in an RV kitchen.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or russet)
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups milk (or half-and-half for creamier)
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional but delicious)
• 1 large carrot, diced (optional)
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)Chopped parsley or chives, for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté the veggies:
   In a large pot or RV-friendly Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic.
2. Add potatoes & ham: Add diced potatoes, ham, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in broth: Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook 12–15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Add milk & corn: Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk (or half-and-half) and frozen corn. Thicken (optional): If you like a thicker chowder, whisk 1 tablespoon flour into 2 tablespoons cold milk until smooth, then stir it in. Let the chowder simmer 5 more minutes.
5. Season & serve: Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Ladle into bowls and finish with parsley or chives.