Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.

Mix in the garlic, thyme and flour and cook until the flour is lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes.

Slowly stir in the broth, deglazing the pan as you go, add the milk and potatoes, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.

Add the ham and corn, cook until heated and season with salt and pepper.

Option: Start by cooking 4 strips of bacon, crumbling and setting aside before using the bacon grease to cook the veggies instead of the oil and then use the crumbled bacon as garnish.

Option: Omit the carrots and celery.

Option: Replace the potato with cauliflower.

Option: Fry the ham until slightly crispy on the outside before adding it to the soup.

Option: Add 1-2 tablespoons white miso paste by taking some of the hot broth and mixing it into the miso in a bowl and then mixing it back into the chowder as you remove it from the heat. (The miso adds a nice umami flavor!) Note: miso is salty so you will not need to season with as much salt.