- 2 tablespoons vegetables oil
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped carrot
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 cups canned low-salt chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 10- to 12-ounce russet potato, peeled, diced
- 1 cup packed shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
- 1/2 cup chopped ham
- Hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add celery, carrot, onion and thyme and sauté until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour over and stir 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in broth, then milk. Add potato and bring soup to boil. Reduce heat and simmer soup until potato is tender, about 20 minutes. Add cheese 1/3 cup at a time, stirring until melted and smooth after each addition. Mix in ham. Season soup to taste with hot pepper sauce, salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.