Potato stew with smoked ham is one of those dishes I turn to when I have good potatoes on hand and some smoked ham in the fridge. If I also have an onion, it's on the stove in 20 minutes. I don’t need hard-to-find ingredients or complicated techniques; everything is straightforward and within reach. This recipe comes together quickly, without unnecessary steps, and has that clear taste of simple food, with just a few ingredients that really matter.
Quick Info
Total time: about 50 minutes
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: easy
Recipe type: main course, quick stew
Ingredients
1 kg potatoes (peeled and washed)
1 medium onion
2-3 cloves of garlic
3-4 slices of smoked ham (about 150-200 g, depending on thickness)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
oil (for sautéing, about 2 tablespoons)
salt
pepper
bay leaves (1-2 pieces)
water
Preparation Method
1. I peel and wash the potatoes, then cut them into medium-sized cubes, not too small or too large. For the stew, evenly sized pieces help them cook uniformly.
2. I cut the smoked ham into cubes, just big enough to be noticeable in the dish but not too large. In a large pot, I add a little oil, toss in the ham, and let it cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. When it starts to release fat and lightly browns at the edges, I add the finely chopped onion.
3. I stir and let the onion soften for about 4-5 minutes without letting it color. I then add the finely chopped garlic, stir briefly for another 1-2 minutes. I don’t let the garlic cook too long, just enough to release its aroma.
4. I add the cubed potatoes over the sautéed ham and onion. I gently mix, cover with a lid, and let it steam on low to medium heat for 6-7 minutes. If I see they start to stick, I add a tablespoon or two of water.
5. I dissolve the tomato paste in a little water (about half a cup), then pour it into the pot over the potatoes. I add enough water to almost cover the potatoes (not too much, so the stew is thicker in the end).
6. I season with salt, pepper, and 1-2 bay leaves. I cover the pot and let it simmer over medium heat for about 25-30 minutes, until the potatoes are cooked and the liquid has thickened slightly. I stir occasionally, especially towards the end, to prevent sticking.
7. I taste to see if it needs more salt or pepper. I remove the bay leaves at the end.
Why I make this recipe often
This stew is the kind of meal I can whip up quickly with what I have at home. The potatoes and ham provide flavor without needing additional spices. It keeps well until the next day, and when reheated, it doesn’t change texture much. I also appreciate that there are no long waiting times or complicated steps.
Tips and Variations
Tips
If the ham is very fatty, I don’t add oil or just a tiny bit.
If I want a thicker sauce, I leave the pot uncovered towards the end to reduce the liquid.
New potatoes don’t work as well; they break apart quickly.
Substitutions
Instead of smoked ham, I can use bacon, homemade smoked meat, or even leftover roast.
The tomato paste can be replaced with canned tomatoes or tomato juice, but it will slightly change the flavor.
If I don’t have bay leaves, I can skip them, but the flavor will be simpler.
Variations
I can add chopped bell pepper when sautéing the onion.
Sometimes I use sweet paprika for color, but it’s not mandatory.
If I want a vegan version, I leave out the meat and add a little extra oil, possibly a carrot for flavor.
Serving Ideas
It pairs well with simple pickles or a green salad.
Sometimes I sprinkle fresh parsley on top, but not always.
A slice of fresh bread on the side is all you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use red potatoes?
Yes, but they should be the boiling type. Potatoes that crumble too easily don’t work well here.
Can it be made without tomato paste?
Yes, but the sauce will be paler and less flavorful. You can use tomato juice or just water, but the taste will be simpler.
How long does it take to boil the potatoes?
About 25-30 minutes, but it depends on the size of the cubes and the type of potatoes. Test with a fork after 20 minutes.
Can I freeze the potato stew with ham?
I do not recommend it. The potatoes become watery after freezing and change texture.
Can it be made without onion?
Yes, but the flavor will be flatter. The onion adds sweetness and helps with the sauce.
Nutritional Values (approximate)
One serving has about 300-350 kcal.
Protein: 10-12 g
Carbohydrates: 45-50 g
Fats: 10-12 g (varies depending on the type of ham)
The sauce isn’t very fatty if not much oil is added. Values are indicative and depend on the amount of ham and its fat content.
Storage and Reheating
It can be stored in the fridge in a covered container for 1-2 days. When reheating on the stove or in the microwave, I may add a tablespoon of water if the sauce has thickened too much. I do not recommend freezing, as the potatoes do not retain the same texture when thawed.
Quick Info
Total time: about 50 minutes
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: easy
Recipe type: main course, quick stew
Ingredients
1 kg potatoes (peeled and washed)
1 medium onion
2-3 cloves of garlic
3-4 slices of smoked ham (about 150-200 g, depending on thickness)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
oil (for sautéing, about 2 tablespoons)
salt
pepper
bay leaves (1-2 pieces)
water
Preparation Method
1. I peel and wash the potatoes, then cut them into medium-sized cubes, not too small or too large. For the stew, evenly sized pieces help them cook uniformly.
2. I cut the smoked ham into cubes, just big enough to be noticeable in the dish but not too large. In a large pot, I add a little oil, toss in the ham, and let it cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. When it starts to release fat and lightly browns at the edges, I add the finely chopped onion.
3. I stir and let the onion soften for about 4-5 minutes without letting it color. I then add the finely chopped garlic, stir briefly for another 1-2 minutes. I don’t let the garlic cook too long, just enough to release its aroma.
4. I add the cubed potatoes over the sautéed ham and onion. I gently mix, cover with a lid, and let it steam on low to medium heat for 6-7 minutes. If I see they start to stick, I add a tablespoon or two of water.
5. I dissolve the tomato paste in a little water (about half a cup), then pour it into the pot over the potatoes. I add enough water to almost cover the potatoes (not too much, so the stew is thicker in the end).
6. I season with salt, pepper, and 1-2 bay leaves. I cover the pot and let it simmer over medium heat for about 25-30 minutes, until the potatoes are cooked and the liquid has thickened slightly. I stir occasionally, especially towards the end, to prevent sticking.
7. I taste to see if it needs more salt or pepper. I remove the bay leaves at the end.
Why I make this recipe often
This stew is the kind of meal I can whip up quickly with what I have at home. The potatoes and ham provide flavor without needing additional spices. It keeps well until the next day, and when reheated, it doesn’t change texture much. I also appreciate that there are no long waiting times or complicated steps.
Tips and Variations
Tips
If the ham is very fatty, I don’t add oil or just a tiny bit.
If I want a thicker sauce, I leave the pot uncovered towards the end to reduce the liquid.
New potatoes don’t work as well; they break apart quickly.
Substitutions
Instead of smoked ham, I can use bacon, homemade smoked meat, or even leftover roast.
The tomato paste can be replaced with canned tomatoes or tomato juice, but it will slightly change the flavor.
If I don’t have bay leaves, I can skip them, but the flavor will be simpler.
Variations
I can add chopped bell pepper when sautéing the onion.
Sometimes I use sweet paprika for color, but it’s not mandatory.
If I want a vegan version, I leave out the meat and add a little extra oil, possibly a carrot for flavor.
Serving Ideas
It pairs well with simple pickles or a green salad.
Sometimes I sprinkle fresh parsley on top, but not always.
A slice of fresh bread on the side is all you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use red potatoes?
Yes, but they should be the boiling type. Potatoes that crumble too easily don’t work well here.
Can it be made without tomato paste?
Yes, but the sauce will be paler and less flavorful. You can use tomato juice or just water, but the taste will be simpler.
How long does it take to boil the potatoes?
About 25-30 minutes, but it depends on the size of the cubes and the type of potatoes. Test with a fork after 20 minutes.
Can I freeze the potato stew with ham?
I do not recommend it. The potatoes become watery after freezing and change texture.
Can it be made without onion?
Yes, but the flavor will be flatter. The onion adds sweetness and helps with the sauce.
Nutritional Values (approximate)
One serving has about 300-350 kcal.
Protein: 10-12 g
Carbohydrates: 45-50 g
Fats: 10-12 g (varies depending on the type of ham)
The sauce isn’t very fatty if not much oil is added. Values are indicative and depend on the amount of ham and its fat content.
Storage and Reheating
It can be stored in the fridge in a covered container for 1-2 days. When reheating on the stove or in the microwave, I may add a tablespoon of water if the sauce has thickened too much. I do not recommend freezing, as the potatoes do not retain the same texture when thawed.