Potato Soup with Ham

INGREDIENTS

• 3 medium red potatoes, peeled, cut in small cubes
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ground black pepper
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cubed cooked ham
• pepper to taste

PREPARATION
Bring water and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a boil; add potatoes and cook until tender. Drain; reserve 1 cup of cooking liquid (add water to measure 1 cup if necessary).

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion in the hot butter until transparent. Add flour to butter and onion mixture; stir until smooth. Season with a little pepper; continue to cook and stir for 1 minute. Gradually add potatoes, reserved 1 cup of cooking liquid, and milk. Stir well; add cheese and ham. Simmer potato ham soup over low heat, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes.