KitchenMagician's Recipe

VEG - CHUNKY POTATO SOUP

Category: Cream Soups

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

3 red potatoes, peeled
2 c. water
3 T. butter
1 onion, finely chopped
3 T. all-purpose flour
crushed red pepper flakes
black pepper
3 c. milk
1/2 tsp. granulated sugar
1 c. shredded Old Cheddar cheese
1 c. cubed cooked ham
chopped chives

Cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes. In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil.
Add potatoes and cook until tender.
Drain, reserving liquid. Set potatoes aside.
Measure 1 cup cooking liquid, adding water if necessary; set aside.
Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat.
Add onion to saucepan; cook, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent and tender, but not brown.
Add flour to saucepan; season with pepper flakes and black pepper to taste.
Cook 3 to 4 minutes.
Gradually add potatoes, reserved cooking liquid, milk and sugar to onion mixture; stir well. Add cheese and ham.
Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
Serve garnished with chopped chives.

**This is especially nice if served in individual bread bowls.
Use small round sourdough or Italian loaves, one per person.
Slice a small piece from the top.
Scoop out the inside of the loaves, leaving 1 1/2 inch shell.
Ladle in the hot soup. Garnish with chopped chives.