When the evenings turn chilly in the San Luis Valley, there’s nothing quite like coming home to a Crock-Pot filled with something hot and hearty. This easy chowder is loaded with potatoes, diced ham and vegetables. Mashing some of the potatoes gives it a naturally creamy texture without flour or cornstarch.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 lb fully cooked diced ham
• 1 bunch scallions, sliced, including green tops
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• ½ green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 can corn, drained
• 5 cups chicken broth (I use Better Than Bouillon)
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash Original Seasoning
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

Directions

Add the potatoes, ham, scallions, carrots, celery, green pepper, garlic, corn, chicken broth, salt, pepper and Mrs. Dash to the Crock-Pot. Stir well, cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.

About 2 hours before serving, mash some of the potatoes right in the Crock-Pot, leaving plenty of bite-size pieces intact. Stir in the evaporated milk, cover and continue cooking on LOW for the final 2 hours.

Stir before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread, biscuits or crackers.

Around the Table Tip: This is a great way to use leftover holiday ham. Optional toppings include shredded cheddar, sliced scallions or crumbled bacon.

Equipment From My Kitchen

My Potato Masher

I've had my Farberware potato masher for years. Its round, perforated head makes it easy to mash just some of the potatoes right in the Crock-Pot to thicken this chowder, while leaving plenty of potato pieces intact.

My older Farberware model doesn't seem to be available anymore, but I found a similar round-head masher for anyone looking for this style. I haven't personally tested the linked replacement.

View a similar potato masher on Amazon

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