Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (about 450g) ham, diced
• 4 cups (about 1 liter) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups (about 1.5 liters) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups (about 475ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (about 120ml) heavy cream (optional)
• 1/4 cup (about 30g) all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Prep Ingredients:
   • Dice the ham into bite-sized pieces.
   • Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes.
   • Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
   • Slice the carrots and chop the celery.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
   • Place the diced ham, potatoes, chopped onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic in the slow cooker.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings:
   • Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
   • Add dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
4. Cook on Low:
   • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Add Milk and Optional Cream:
   • About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the milk. If you want a creamier soup, you can also add the heavy cream at this stage.
6. Optional Thickening:
   • If you prefer a thicker soup, mix the flour with a bit of water to make a smooth paste. Stir the paste into the soup, and let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if necessary.
8. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to customize it to your taste preferences. 🍲