Potato and Ham Chowder

Ingredients

• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Salt and pepper - To taste
• Bay leaf - 1
• Thyme - 1 teaspoon
• Butter - 4 tablespoons
• All - purpose flour - 1/4 cup
• Milk - 2 cups
• Chicken broth - 4 cups
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Carrots - 2 medium, diced
• Celery - 2 stalks, chopped
• Onion - 1 medium, chopped
• Ham - 1 cup, diced
• Potatoes - 4 cups, peeled and diced

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk.
5. Add the diced potatoes, ham, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
7. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the chopped parsley.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!