Ham and String/Green Bean Soup

Directions

1. 1
   Place the ham in large pot and fill pot about half way with either water or chicken stock, add onion, and celery and cover.
2. 2
   Bring to a boil and turn down to simmer for about 30 minutes to an hour.
3. 3
   (If ham is on the bone let it simmer for about 90 minutes or until the ham starts to fall off the bone before proceeding.
4. 4
   ).
5. 5
   Add carrots, potatoes, and string beans to pot and continue simmering for about 30 minutes.
6. 6
   Salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7
   If using a ham bone remove ham from bone while the veggies are cooking and discard the bone.
8. 8
   When potatoes are done mix butter and flour to form paste, slowly add to pot to slightly thicken broth.
9. 9
   (You don't want it gravy thick but to have a little body so more or less of the mixture might be needed depending on how much broth there is.
10. 10
    ).