Leftover Ham Recipe Ideas: How to Make Creamy Ham, White Bean & Tortellini Chowder! by Donna John

Don't let the long list of ingredients scare you off from trying this chowder recipe. It's really quick and easy to make – and a great way to use up leftover ham.

You'll need:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 2 -3 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 box (48 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 cups cubed ham
• 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans or other white beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or less to taste)
• 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon 
• 1/2 of a 1-pound bag frozen cheese tortellini 
• 2 cups half-and-half

Here's how to make it:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot. Add the onion, carrots and celery and cook about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, about 1 more minute. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring, about 2 minutes. 
2. Add all but 1/2 a cup of the chicken broth to the pot. Stir the cornstarch into the 1/2 cup of broth and add to pot (this prevents lumps). Add beans, ham, mustard, bay leaves, bouillon and herbs/spices. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook about 20 minutes. 
3. Add tortellini and cook about 3 minutes, or until al dente. Add half-and-half and warm through. Taste and adjust seasonings. 

Variations: 

• Omit the tortellini and add another can of white beans.
• Omit the beans and add the entire bag of frozen tortellini
• Add cubed red potatoes when you cook the onions, celery and carrots instead of the tortellini.
• Use leftover chicken instead of ham.