Paleo Smoky Ham Chowder

I was trying to use up a ham shank and honor my New Year’s resolution to eat low-carb. The result is a yummy and hearty winter soup, chock-full of rich, smoky flavor and chunks of veggies and ham. You won’t even miss the carbs!

Step: 1

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add onion and celery; saute until onion begins to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer onion mixture to a bowl.

Step: 2

Add broth and ham shank to the same pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until ham is tender and falling off the bone, about 1 hour. Transfer ham and bone to a plate. Chop ham when cool enough to handle. Discard bone.

Step: 3

Add onion mixture to the broth, along with 1/2 of the sweet potato, 1/2 of the cauliflower, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, discard bay leaf, and use emulsion blender to blend until smooth.

Step: 4

Add remaining potatoes and cauliflower and bring to a simmer. Cook until vegetables are tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Add ham, liquid smoke, salt, and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley.

Per Serving: 334 calories; protein 17.7g; carbohydrates 16.7g; fat 21.7g; cholesterol 60.9mg; sodium 976.3mg.