Spiced Ham And Cheese Chowder With Fennel And Leeks Recipes

SPICED HAM AND CHEESE CHOWDER WITH FENNEL AND LEEKS

Steps:

• Trim fennel bulb; finely chop some of the feathery top for garnish.
• Discard the root end, quarter the bulb lengthwise; remove the core; chop (you should have about 1 1/2 cups).
• In a large saucepan, melt the butter; add fennel and leeks and sauté, stirring frequently, for 20 minutes, or until fennel is very tender.
• Combine broth and flour; stir into the onion mixture.
• Add the milk, lemon peel, cinnamon and pepper.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes, or until mixture thickens.
• Gradually stir in the cheese; reduce heat to low; stir until cheese melts.
• Stir in ham and beer; heat through.
• To serve, ladle chowder into soup bowls.
• Sprinkle with chopped fennel leaves.

HAM CHOWDER

Steps:

• Pour stock into a large pot set over medium heat, and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cubed ham and 2 tablespoons rosemary.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crisp. With a slotted spoon, remove bacon, and add to pot. Drain half of the bacon grease, and return skillet to medium heat. Stir in onions, leeks, garlic, and green onions; cook until tender, then add to pot.
• Place cubed potatoes, carrots, and 2 tablespoons rosemary in pot; simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Turn off heat, and add cream to pot.

HAM AND CHEESE CHOWDER

Steps:

• Combine potatoes, broth, carrots, and garlic in a large pot and bring to a boil, about 5 minutes. Stir in salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until potatoes and carrots are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add corn and ham. Reduce heat to lowest setting.
• While soup simmers, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in cornstarch. Add milk and whisk to combine. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly, 3 to 5 minutes. Add Cheddar cheese and stir until melted, about 2 minutes. Pour mixture into the pot with the soup. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 2 minutes more, or until ready to serve.