Ham and Potato Stew (Chowder)

 

I like ham. The problem with this is that I like the old fashioned, bone in, gigantic hams, which only seem to be sold in the 10lb size or larger. Even if we invite the dog in for supper this is still way too much ham for our family. Since David over at Cooking Chat is hosting Leftover Tuesdays, I thought this would be a good time to try out a new leftover recipe. So with my ham problems I am always on the look out for some good recipes that call for leftover ham. I have one posted on here - Hawaiian Ham but I was looking for another leftover ham recipe. This recipe for Ham Chowder is inspired from a cookbook I found in a discount bin many, many years ago. I saw the recipe then, forgot about it, and it was only when my computer fried (again) that I thought to look it up. I heavily modified the original, since I also wanted to use up the leftover scalloped potatoes I had in the fridge. If you don't have leftover scalloped potatoes - don't worry. You can used a store bought package of them, or see my note about working around it. This could also be done in the crockpot, but it may not be a good "all day" recipe. This is for Leftover Tuesdays, but if you don't have leftovers you can still try it out.

Ham and Potato Chowder (Stew) 

serves 8 

about one hour to prepare 

About 3 cups diced cooked ham (leftovers from a bone in ham, or any ham) 

4 or 5 cups of prepared scalloped potatoes (more or less, whatever you have) 

1 can creamed corn (384ml) 

salt and pepper, to taste 

1/2 cup milk or water, if needed 

dried or fresh parsley for garnish 

Heat ham in a large pot on the stove, or put into a crockpot or slow cooker. Add in potatoes, the can of creamed corn, 1/2 cup of milk or water, plus a few cracks of pepper. Wait to taste for salt, as the ham may make this salty. Heat over medium low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and hot - about 25 to 35 minutes. If using the Crockpot/slow cooker, put all ingredients in and cook over low heat for about 4 hours. 

NOTE - FOR THOSE WITH NO SCALLOPED POTATOES: If you are using a package of scalloped potatoes (like Lipton Sidekicks, or similar) then add in the package and ingredients with the ham to make the potatoes If you don't have scalloped potatoes, and if you don't have a package of them, then try this out. I haven't tried it myself, but in theory it should work: In your dutch oven/large pot, melt about 1/4 cup of margarine or butter over medium heat. Add in about 1/4 cup of flour; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add in 3 to 4 cups of milk (yes, this is a basic white sauce - use your favourite recipe if you have one). Heat over medium high heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheese. Scrub, slice and quarter 4 or 5 good sized potatoes. Add these to the pot. Add in your diced ham, creamed corn, pepper and milk. Simmer over low heat for about 1 hour, until potatoes are cooked and stew is hot. Enjoy!

Comments

[Rachel]

That's a great idea! I love ham too but rarely ever buy it because I'll just be stuck with a whole bunch of ham sandwiches (or picking at it right out of the fridge). Never thought of using it in a stew or soup!

[Megan]

Hi Rachel

This did turn out good and it was a different way to use up leftover ham. I tend to eat chunks of it cold, too, for days on end. I wasn't sure how it would turn out, but I ran the ingredients by my husband (a chef) before I did it and he thought it sounded 'yummy'.