Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

This soup was extremely delicious and filling!  The other day I went grocery shopping without a meal plan and came home with a big slab of ham.  I really had no plans for it at all and after raiding the pantry this came to life.  I will definitely double this recipe next time and freeze the extras for another night.  I also came across a recipe on Pinterest for "Cream of Something Soup" and I had most of the ingredients on hand and came up with my "Cream of Nothing Soup." 

Ingredients for Cream of Nothing Soup

• 1 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup dry milk
• 3/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dry basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dry parsley

Directions:

1. Bring 3/4 cup of Cream of Nothing mixture and 1 1/4 cup chicken broth to a light boil.
2. Stir over heat until it thickens.

Ingredients for Soup:

• 2 small russet potatoes, diced in small cubes
• 1 1/2 cups diced ham
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup frozen corn
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1-2 tablespoon olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Saute onions, garlic and potatoes with olive oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
2. In a separate pan saute ham with a little bit of oil until nicely browned.
3. Add ham to potato mixture and stir.
4. Add cream of nothing soup, water and all other ingredients, except cheese and bring to a light boil.
5. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Stir in cheese and serve!

*If you do not want to make "cream of nothing soup" just replace with one can of your favorite cream condensed soup.*