Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound (about 2 cups) dried beans (such as navy, pinto, or black beans)
• 1 pound smoked ham hock or diced ham
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse and sort the dried beans, removing any debris or damaged beans. Place them in the slow cooker.
2. Add the diced ham, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker. Mix well.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. During the last hour of cooking, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed, removing the bay leaves before serving.

Nutrition