Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

Evidently, Mother Nature didn't get the memo about it being the end of April, cause it's been rather chilly here in Nebraska. And with a steady drizzle reinforcing the chill, I thought soup would be a great way to help keep us warm.

Plus, I've got a big ol' ham from Easter to use up. Don't have any ham on hand? No problem. Skip the ham and make a vegetarian version. Or another good option would be to fry up some bacon and sprinkle it on top of each serving.

Mmmmmm, bacon.

Creamy Ham and Potato Soup
Source: MSPI Mama

4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
1 stalk celery, including the leaves, diced
½ medium onion, diced
2 14-oz. cans MSPI-friendly chicken or vegetable broth
¼ cup canola oil
½ cup flour
2 cups rice milk
1-2 cups diced cooked ham
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste

Combine the potatoes, celery, onion and broth in a stockpot. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.

In a separate saucepan, heat oil over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring the roux constantly until thick and smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Slowly stir in the rice milk, whisking constantly to keep lumps from forming. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 4 to 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Add ham to the stockpot. Stir the rice milk mixture into the stockpot, and cook soup until heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Tip: Like a thicker soup? Mash some of the potatoes in the soup.