Chunky Potato Soup

1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 3 medium)

2 cups water

1 small onion, chopped

3 tbsp butter

3 tbsp flour

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

3 cups milk

1 cup shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese

1 cup chopped cooked ham

In a large saucepan or dutch oven combine potatoes and water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid. Set potatoes and reserved liquid aside.

In same pan cook onion in butter until tender, stirring often. Stir in flour, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Cook and stir over medium low heat for 1 minute.

Gradually stir in milk and reserved cooking liquid. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to boiling. Boil for 1 minute.

Stir in potatoes, cheese and ham. cook and stir over low heat until heated through and cheese is melted.