Creole White Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c Minced onion
• 1/2 c Minced celery
• 1/4 c Chopped bell pepper
• 2 T Butter or margarine
• 1 1/2 lb Ham,1" cubes
• 1 lb Smoked sausage, 1/2" slices
• 1 cn Tomato sauce(8oz)
• 2 cn Navy white beans w/bacon (16oz)
• 4 c Water
• Salt
• Black pepper
  

Directions:

1. In large saucepan, cook onion, celery and bell pepper in butter until soft.
2. Add ham and tomato sauce; simmer 15 to 20 minutes.
3. In separate saucepan, bring navy beans with bacon to boil.
4. Puree beans and their liquid in a food processor or blender; add to ham mixture.
5. Add the water; season to taste and simmer for 1 hour.
6. Serve this Creole white bean soup piping hot, with cornbread if desired.