Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

INGREDIENTS

3 1/2 cups

peeled and diced potatoes

1/3 cup

diced celery

1/3 cup

finely chopped onion

1/2 cup

carrot (, diced (optional))

1 cup

diced cooked ham ((buy a ham steak in the deli section))

3 1/4 cups

chicken broth

1/2 tsp

salt (, or to taste)

1 tsp

ground white or black pepper (, or to taste)

5 tbsp

butter

5 tbsp

all-purpose flour

2 cups

milk