Simpler Living Blog

Soup Lineup: Ultimate Food for a Crowd!

Name: Ham and Sweet Potato Chowder
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1/2 c . cooked, finely chopped ham; 27 oz can chicken broth (can use low-sodium); 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 T. dried minced onion; 1/2 tsp . dried oregano; 1/2 tsp . dried parsley; 1/4 tsp . black pepper; 1/4 tsp . crushed red pepper flakes; 1/4 c . flour; 2 c . milk (use whatever your family drinks – skim milk will make a thinner chowder, 2% or whole milk, much richer – you decide)

My husband and I have young children. Most of our friends have young children. And when we get together socially, there are … lots of young children. Most recently, when a group of us met for lunch, there were 15 little mouths to feed in addition to the six adults. (Okay, 4-month-old Catie doesn’t really count; she doesn’t eat any chili – yet.)

The easiest, most relaxing way we’ve found to have a meal together is by creating a soup lineup. By this we mean a counter top lineup of slow cookers, each filled with a different soup, chili or stew. In between we stick some loaves of homemade bread, some butter, someone throws in a big salad or bowl of fruit, and voila – we’ve got a hot, hearty meal for everyone, with minimal dishes and not much cooking by any of us. This means a lot more time to sit and talk (for the big people) and run and play (for the little people).

Here are a couple great recipes to try – and maybe even share at your next “soup lineup.”

Designed like the spoons years ago with that classic, extra-wide round shape, our soup spoons easily scoop meat, vegetables and broth so you can enjoy every slurp. Set of 8.

Recipes in This Roundup

Ham and Sweet Potato Chowder
Curried Pumpkin or Squash Soup

Ham and Sweet Potato Chowder

Lehman's

Servings

Serves 4

Ingredients

1/2 c . cooked, finely chopped ham
27 oz can chicken broth (can use low-sodium)
3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 T. dried minced onion
1/2 tsp . dried oregano
1/2 tsp . dried parsley
1/4 tsp . black pepper
1/4 tsp . crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 c . flour
2 c . milk (use whatever your family drinks – skim milk will make a thinner chowder, 2% or whole milk, much richer – you decide)

Instructions

In a large stockpot, combine broth, ham, sweet potatoes, onion, oregano, parsley, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Combine flour and milk in a shaker or bowl, mixing until smooth. Stir into soup. Bring to a boil.
Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Be careful not to scorch or curdle milk.