Butter Bean Soup

This is a wonderful vegetarian recipe that I have added some meat to. If you want it to be vegetarian, just omit the meat! This recipe is adapted from one found on the can of Bush's Butter Beans.
The Ingredients

1 cup celery, finely chopped
1 cup carrots, finely chopped
3/4 cup onion, finely chopped
3 Tbsp vegetable oil
3 Tbsp flour (I used Kentucky Kernel Seasoned Flour)
4 cups water
2 cans Bush's Butter Beans, drained
1 can diced tomatoes
1 tsp basil (I used 1/2 tsp dried basil)
1 pkg diced fully cooked ham

In a large pan, saute celery, carrot and onion in oil until soft.

If using any meat, add it in just before veggies are done so that it can warm through and add some flavor.

Add flour.

Cook and stir for about one minute.

Slowly add in water, stirring to smooth as it thickens.

Bring to a boil. Add remaining ingredients.

Reduce heat and simmer 20 to 25 minutes until slightly thickened. Season to taste (which when you use Kentucky Kernel, you don't have to do!)