Ham Chowder - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 large carrots, diced
4 stalks celery, diced
1 small onion
4 large potatoes
5 c. water
2 to 3 c. ham, diced
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
salt to taste
pepper to taste
6 Tbsp. flour
2 1/2 c. milk
paprika and chopped parsley (garnish)

Preparation

In stockpot or soup kettle, cook carrots, celery, onion and potatoes in 5 cups water until tender, about 20 minutes.
Add ham butter, salt and pepper.
Blend flour into milk smoothly; stir into soup.
Heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils.
Turn heat to low and allow to simmer, partially covered, 10 to 20 minutes to develop flavor.
Pour soup into large bowl or soup tureen.
Sprinkle top with paprika and chopped parsley.
Serve with hot garlic bread and a tossed green salad for a complete meal.