Homestyle Potato Soup

The Recipe:
Originally from southernfood.com.

What You Need:
2 T butter
1 onion, peeled and chopped
3 stalks celery, trimmed and chopped
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
8 oz deli ham (such as this), chopped
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
1 qt (32 oz) vegetable broth
4-5 C diced potatoes (about 4 large ones)
1 C heavy cream
3 T flour
1 additional C cream (or whole milk or half&half)
2-3 C cooked broccoli (optional)

Your Turn:
Melt 2 T butter in large saucepan. I used my largest stockpot.

Add onion, celery, carrots, and ham.

Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are tender (about 5 minutes).

Add garlic and cook another minute.

Add broth, and some additional water if it seems needed, and the potatoes. Cook about 25 minutes, until potatoes are tender.

Whisk the flour into the heavy cream until smooth. Stir into hot soup.

Stir in the additional cup of cream or milk.

Taste and then add salt/pepper as desired.

Using a potato masher, mash slightly to thicken.

If desired, add cooked broccoli and cook until heated through. 

Serve with shredded cheddar cheese or sliced green onion.