Creamy potato soup with ham

Ingredients:

• 3.5 cups potatoes (3 medium potatoes), peeled and diced
• 500 ml of milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup chopped celery
• 3/4 cup cooked ham, diced
• 1 pork ham bone (optional)
• 800 ml unsalted chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1-2 tsp chili paste or any hot sauce (optional)

For the topping:

• Crumbled fried bacon (optional)
• Grated cheddar cheese (optional)

Preparation:

1. In a saucepan, combine chicken broth, potatoes, onion, celery, ham, and pork ribs (optional). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
2. While the soup is cooking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute, until thickened. Pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook, stirring, for 7-8 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
3. Remove the pork bone from the soup, if used. Then stir the milk mixture into the soup. Heat it briefly. Add chili paste, salt, and pepper to taste.
   Ladle the soup into warmed bowls and sprinkle with bacon and cheese.