Comfort in a Bowl

Sometimes I’m in the mood for very simple food. No adornments, nothing fancy, just a few good ingredients cooked to bring out their best and most complementary flavors. That’s what this soup is all about. I thought the combination of leeks, ham, and sweet potatoes was earthy and appealing (the Idaho potato is in there just to thicken the soup). It’s rare that I make a soup without any herbs or spices but this one really doesn’t need any. If you are looking to expand your repertoire of comfort food, this is the perfect candidate.

Sweet Potato Soup with Leeks and Ham (6 servings)

• 1 tbsp. butter
• 3 leeks, sliced thinly
• 8 oz. ham steak, diced
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 Idaho potato, peeled and diced
• 5 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup light cream

1. Melt the butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Add the ham and cook 5 minutes. Add the sweet potatoes and potatoes and stir to combine.
2. Add the chicken stock, bring to a boil, and simmer for 30 minutes.Add the cream and heat through.