Slow Cooker Navy Bean Soup

INGREDIENTS
2 Tbsp olive oil
6 cloves garlic
1 medium yellow onion
½ lb. carrots
4 stalks celery
2 lb. dry navy beans
1 ham hock or ham (optional)
3 whole bay leaves
1 Tbsp dried rosemary
2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp smoked paprika
Freshly cracked pepper to taste
Salt to taste
8 cups water or chicken stock or combo of both


DIRECTIONS

1. Mince the garlic, dice the onion, slice the celery, and slice the carrots into thin rounds. Add the olive oil, garlic, onion, celery, and carrots to a large (5qt or larger) slow cooker.
2. Sort through the beans and remove any debris or stones. Give them a quick rinse and then add them and the ham to the slow cooker, along with the bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, paprika, and some freshly cracked pepper.
3. Add 8 cups of water (or half chicken stock half water) to the slow cooker and stir to combine the ingredients. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
4. After 8 hours, stir the soup and mash the beans slightly. Starting with just a ½ tsp, add salt to your liking. I used about 2 tsp total, but keep tasting and adding more, ½ tsp at a time, until it reaches the level that you prefer.

You could add more veggies to up the nutrient value. Could omit ham and use more smoked paprika.
Makes 6+ servings.