Healthy Slow-Cooker White Bean Soup with Ham

This healthy and tasty white bean soup with ham is a hit with everyone in our family. It's also a breeze to make; one of those slow-cooker recipes that's truly easy.

Put everything in the slow cooker in the morning, set it on "low" and walk away. Then come back later to dish up a delicious hearty soup at dinnertime, one that's perfect for these chilly winter evenings. It freezes well, too.

This version includes smoked ham, which you could easily leave out for a vegeterian or vegan version.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry white beans like Great Northern, Navy, or Cannellini
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 14-1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 8 ounces smoked ham, diced
• 6 cups water
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Chopped Italian parsley to garnish

Directions

Soak beans overnight in cold water to cover by an inch or so. You can also use the "quick soak" method: put beans and water to cover by an inch in a large pot; bring to a boil over high heat and let boil for a minute then put the lid on and remove from heat; let sit covered for an hour.

Drain beans and add to slow cooker with all ingredients except salt and Italian parsley.

Cover and cook on "high" for 6 hours or "low" for 8 to 10 hours.

When beans are done, season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt.

Serve in soup bowls garnished with a little chopped Italian parsley, accompanied by slices of crusty bread.