🥔 Slow Cooker High-Protein Ham & Potato Soup

Serves: 6
Protein: ~30–35g per serving

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🧾 Ingredients

• 2½–3 cups lean ham, diced (low-sodium if possible)
• 4 cups gold or russet potatoes, diced small
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup unsweetened skim milk
• ¾ cup nonfat Greek yogurt (or blended cottage cheese)
• ½ cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickness)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp thyme (optional)

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🍲 Instructions

1. Add to slow cooker
   • Add potatoes, ham, onion, celery, garlic, broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
   • Stir well.
2. Cook
   • Cover and cook:
     • LOW: 6–7 hours
     • HIGH: 3–4 hours
   • Potatoes should be very tender.
3. Thicken & boost protein
   • Mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water (if using).
   • Stir into soup.
   • Cook 20–30 minutes more on HIGH.
4. Make it creamy
   • Stir in milk, Greek yogurt (or blended cottage cheese), and cheese.
   • Heat 10–15 minutes until smooth (do not boil).
5. Optional texture
   • Mash some potatoes or blend 1–2 cups of soup and stir back in.

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🔥 High-Protein Tips

• Use extra-lean ham
• Swap milk for ultra-filtered high-protein milk
• Add white beans or lentils for more protein + fiber
• Cottage cheese blended smooth adds protein without heavy cream

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📊 Approx Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: ~320–360
• Protein: 30–35g
• Carbs: ~28–32g
• Fat: ~8–10g