CORN CHOWDER W/FRESH HERBS, POTATOES AND SMOKED HAM

Corn Chowder W/Fresh Herbs, Potatoes and Smoked Ham image

Provided by Wildflour

Time 40m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans chicken broth
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh tarragon
2 (16 ounce) cans whole potatoes, drained
2 (16 ounce) cans whole kernel corn, drained
1/2 cup half-and-half
2 canned pimientos, drained and diced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2-2 cups diced smoked ham
additional chopped parsley (to garnish)

Steps:

In large (3-quart or so) saucepan,combine broth, onion and carrots.
Tie together bay leaf and fresh herbs to make a bouquet garni.
Add to saucepan and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
Remove herbs. Remove pan from heat.
Dice canned potatoes *reserving 1 cup. Set 1 cup's worth aside.
Put rest of potatoes and 1 can of corn in the blender. Blend til smooth, add to saucepan. (*You can also do this in the saucepan instead of the blender with a Magic Wand hand mixer.).
Return pan to heat (about medium), and add the rest of the potatoes (the 1 cup you reserved), the second can of corn, the half and half and the diced ham.
Bring just to a boil, reduce heat and simmer on low for 5 minutes.
Stir in pimientos and parsley.
Season with a little pepper or hot sauce if desired, to taste.
Taste for saltiness, add salt only if needed. *Ham can be very salty so be careful adding only a little at a time.
Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional parsley.
Serve with warm crusty bread or fresh baked cornbread and butter!