Pork, Cheese and Potatoes Soup

Pork, Cheese and Potatoes Soup 

Yesterday was a bit cooler so I though I could push the soup theme a bit further.  I know I have already posted a cheese soup, but this one is based on a Canadian flavor combo that makes it something special. This was a “found it in the frig” sort of adventure that turned out really well.  

Ingredients 

Pork -  yes, I know there are lots of different types/cuts.  I used a leftover Boston butt that had been smoked.  You could use any leftover pulled pork (that we usually put BBQ sauce on), a ham that you could tear apart, or even thick cut deli ham.  Why not throw in browned sausage as an option?  I believe I will.  So, get some pork – 1 to 2 cups, your choice, your call.

Potatoes – peeled and cubed.  1-2 cups. (You can use canned – reduce cooking time) 

Cheese – I used shredded cheddar, but you could also add some Jack or some smoky cheese –  
         1-2 cups. 

Carrots – sticks chopped tiny, tiny (see post on kitchen tools) (canned will work) 

Onion – small, chopped tiny, tiny (dehydrated will work) 

Celery – 3 stalks, chopped tiny, tiny (dehydrated will work)

Chicken broth – about 4 cups (can use bullion cubes) 

Plain flour – about 1/3 cup

Butter – about ½ cup 

Heavy cream – 2 cups (see below for subs) 

Salt 

Pepper

Cayenne pepper

Garlic powder 

1.     So, pour the chicken broth in a pot, add potatoes, pork of choice and bring to boil.

2.     In skillet, sauté carrots, onion, and celery in 2T butter.  When onion is translucent, add all to pot with broth, potatoes, and ham.  

3.     Cook until potatoes are tender.  

4.     Meanwhile, in non-stick skillet, add butter (about ½ cup), when melted, add plain flour.  Using a whisk, stir constantly until flour begins to get a pasty look/feel.  

5.     Then, very slowly start pouring in the 2 cups of heavy cream, continually whisking.  

6.     Once that gets nice and smooth and bubbly, start adding the two cups shredded cheese.

7.     Add all the flavorings to this (salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic).  

8.     When cheese is melted and creamy, pour into broth mixture.  It is done!  

This is so delicious.  Costs a bit more so cut all the edges you can.  Heavy cream is always costly – you can use regular milk mixed with some corn starch.  You can use regular milk and stir in some instant mashed potato mix.  

Enjoy.  Share.  Stay strong.  Breath slowly.  Nothing will make you more grateful for what you have then helping someone who has less.  Give every minute meaning.  I am trying so hard to be kind in all things that yesterday I apologized to my cat.  A sincere lengthy apology which was met with a skeptical, somewhat hateful look.  I plan to wear her down.  Gotta keep moving on.