Ham and Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 3 large potatoes, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked ham
• 3 1/4 cups water
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• shredded cheddar cheese for garnish

Directions:

Boil the potatoes until tender. Drain. Add the celery, olive oil and onion to a stock pot. Cook on medium heat until tender. Add the water, chicken bouillon cube, salt and pepper.

In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth, about 30 seconds. Add 1/2 cup milk and whisk until smooth. Add the remainder of the milk and continue cooking over medium heat until mixture thickens significantly, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add mixture to pot. 

Add ham, potatoes and chopped carrot to the pot. Continue cooking until heated through. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and serve.