Sweet Potato Ham and Corn Chowder

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 tbsp

olive oil

1 1/4 cups

chopped yellow onion

1 cup

peeled and diced carrots

1 cup

diced celery

1 cup

chopped bell pepper

1 tbsp

minced garlic ((3 cloves))

2 15 ounce cans

low-sodium chicken broth

3 cups

1/2-inch peeled and diced sweet potatoes ((about 1 large))

1 tsp

dried basil

1/2 tsp

dried thyme

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

5 tbsp

unsalted butter, (diced into 1-Tbsp pieces)

1/3 cup

all-purpose flour

3 cups

whole milk

1 1/2 cups

diced cooked hickory smoked ham ((I used a center cut ham steak))

1 1/2 cups

frozen corn

1/2 cup

shredded sharp cheddar cheese, (plus more for serving if desired)

3 tbsp

chopped fresh parsley