Creole White Bean Soup

• 1/2 cup Minced onion
• 1/2 cup Minced celery
• 1/4 cup Chopped bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons Butter or margarine
• 1 1/2 pounds Ham, cut in 1" cubes
• 1 pound Smoked sausage, sliced 1/2-inch
• 1 can Tomato sauce (8oz)
• 2 cans Navy beans with bacon (16oz each)
• 4 cups Water
• Salt
• Black pepper

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 navy beans with bacon 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.
Serves 4.