Recipe: Another White Bean Soup for Jean - Creole White Bean Soup

Creole White Bean Soup
Yield: 6 Servings

1/2 c minced onion
1/2 c minced celery
1/4 c chopped bell pepper
2 tb butter or margarine
1 1/2 lb ham cubed with bone in
1 lb smoked sausage,1/2 slices
1 can tomato sauce(8oz)
2 cans white beans(16oz)
4 c water
salt and pepper to taste

In large saucepan, cook onion, celery and bell pepper in butter until soft. Add ham and tomato sauce; simmer 15 to 20 minutes. In separate saucepan, bring white beans to boil. Puree beans and their liquid in a food processor or blender; add to ham mixture. Add the water; season to taste and simmer for 1 hour. Serve piping hot.