SLOW COOKER HAM AND BEAN SOUP

This slow-cooker recipe couldn’t be easier.

• Active: 15 mins
• Total: 6 hrs 15 mins
• Yield: Serves 8

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 oz.) package dried navy beans, soaked overnight according to package directions, drained, and rinsed
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 small onion)
• ½ cup chopped peeled carrot (2 carrots)
• ½ cup chopped celery (3 celery stalks)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large, meaty roasted ham bone

Directions:

• Place beans, water, broth, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, bay leaf, and pepper in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker; stir to combine. Place ham bone in center of mixture.
• Cover and cook on HIGH 6 hours or LOW 8 to 10 hours until beans are tender.
• Remove ham bone and any gristle. Return any ham meat to soup.