Sweet Potato Wild Rice Soup

Put wild rice and water into a pot and bring water to a boil. Turn to low and simmer for 45 minutes. Let rice stand 5 minutes, then drain off water.

Place butter into a medium or large heavy-bottomed pot. Add onion and sauté until onion is soft and fragrant. Add flour to pot and stir until combined. Add chicken broth and stir with a wire whisk until all ingredients are well combined. Cook over medium heat several minutes until mixture thickens slightly.

Add ham, veggies, cooked wild rice, and salt and pepper to taste. Start with ¼ teaspoon pepper and ½ teaspoon salt and increase as needed depending on saltiness of broth.

Just before serving, pour half-and-half into pot and cook until warm.