Simple Potato Soup

When I was young and first married, and very poor, this soup was a staple meal in our diet.  It is versatile in ingredients..you can use what you have and it still tastes good.  I have included in the recipe all the various ingredients that work.  This is a very filling comfort food kind of dinner.  If it is the end of the month, and your finances are slim it is a good cheap eat.

6 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 onion, diced
2 c. milk
3 T. flour
1/4 c. butter
3-4 sliced cooked bacon, crumbled or
1 c. cooked ham, diced (these 2 ingredients are optional but add additional flavor)
pinch of thyme

Melt the butter in a large saucepan.  Add the onions, add cook until translucent.  Add in the flour and cook for another minute.  Stir in the  milk.

In another saucepan put the potatoes, cover with water and cook until tender.  Depending on the size of your cubes this should take from 12-20 minutes.  Drain well.  Add into the milk broth.  Take a potato masher and gently mash some, but not all of the potatoes into the broth.  Leave some potatoes a little chunky.  If you are adding ham or bacon add it now.  Stir in the thyme.  Cook over medium heat until the soup thickens.  Season with salt and pepper.